The Business of Biofabrication

Dr. Josephine Wu, a researcher at Trinity College Dublin, is making noise in the field of tissue engineering with her innovative project, OPTO-BIOPRINTING. Supported by an €800,000 Wellcome Early Career Award, Dr. Wu aims to develop a novel approach to creating living tissues.

OPTO-BIOPRINTING seeks to overcome current challenges in tissue engineering by leveraging the natural ability of cells to self-assemble into complex structures. The project introduces a method using light to control cellular behavior, enabling precise production of proteins and spatial patterning of cells. This approach mimics the natural gradients of signaling molecules that guide tissue development in the body, offering a unique way to engineer functional tissues.

As a proof-of-concept, Dr. Wu is focusing on developing a cartilage-bone unit. Success in this area could demonstrate the platform’s broader potential for creating various tissue types, opening new avenues for regenerative therapies and disease modeling. Her work addresses the shortage of donor organs and offers a path toward personalized medicine by using tissues derived from a patient’s cells, reducing the risk of immune rejection.

About Dr. Josephine Wu

Dr. Wu’s latest project, OPTO-BIOPRINTING, builds on her extensive experience in cellular and tissue engineering, combining her expertise with new methods that challenge current limitations in the field. Her work exemplifies a commitment to pushing the boundaries of science to improve healthcare outcomes. With the support of the Wellcome Early Career Award, Dr. Wu continues to drive forward innovations that could redefine the future of regenerative medicine.