University of Michigan scientists have developed a major new breakthrough to improve nutrient delivery to bioinks and 3D-bioprinted tissues through the introduction of electrospun microfibers. This fruitful collaboration and new approach was showcased as a new trileaflet design joint publication, led by Annabelle Neuhäusler, published in the journal Biofabrication. This study points to the possibility of these microfibers greatly improving the field of tissue engineering.
On April 24, 2025 I accessed an amazing new study on phys.org. It targets the innovative advancement of bioinks, which are bio-material mixtures that include live cells, hydrogels, and necessary biological elements which work as 3D bioprinting starting materials. Currently researchers are working on a best material to use as a compatible and printable starting material. This breakthrough has the potential to greatly expand the 3D bioprinting technologies’ versatility and functionality.
Key Contributors and Their Insights
The research team includes heavy hitters such as the German Environment Agency’s Dr. Hanna Hartmann. She is head of division at the NMI Naturwissenschaftliches und Medizinisches Institut in Reutlingen, and she is the inventor of the common patent. Dr. Hartmann highlighted the importance of the electrospun microfibers used in their study.
“With a diameter of 5–10 µm, these fibers are in the range of blood capillaries and are the significant advance in our bioink.” – Dr. Hanna Hartmann
In addition, Jannik Stadler, the site manager of Black Drop Biodrucker GmbH, played a crucial role in developing this innovative bioink. He added that the incorporation of these fibers has significantly enhanced nutrient diffusion through the bioink.
“The fibers now measurably improve this transport. The particularly exciting finding for us is that they don’t even have to be hollow on the inside.” – Jannik Stadler
The Role of Electrospun Microfibers
Electrospun microfibers polarized toward physiological parameters required of native tissues, playing an indispensable role in improving nutrient perfusion within 3D-bioprinted tissues. Their inherent geometry and tunable properties allow them to self-assemble to mimic naturally occurring structures within the human body. This controlled replication is of utmost importance for successful tissue engineering. Strategically placing these fibers throughout the gel improved nutrient distribution with no need for hollow inside, an attribute not thought possible before.
This improvement will lead to more viable and functional bioprinted tissues. These advancements are extremely important for uses such as regenerative medicine and organ transplantation. As scientists continue to refine the formulations of bioinks, these findings could lead to more sophisticated and effective 3D printing techniques.
Future Directions for Research
While their work will continue in phase two, the research team plans to investigate broader applications and improved bioinks. Now scientists are taking a deeper look into the realm of bioinks. They’re working to determine how varying compositions can be used to affect tissue growth and integration.
The work published by A Neuhäusler et al. has set a foundation for future studies that may lead to breakthroughs in regenerative medicine. Future investigations will undoubtedly be aimed at scalability and implementation into real-world clinical practice.