Biofabrication & 3D Bioprinting

We develop and test bioink-ready biomaterials to meet the demanding needs of vascular models and next-generation tissue engineering.

• Di Gravina, G. M., Bari, E., Croce, S., Scocozza, F., Pisani, S., Conti, B., … & Conti, M. (2023). Design and development of a hepatic lyo-dECM powder as a biomimetic component for 3D-printable hybrid hydrogels. Biomedical Materials, 19(1), 015005.
• Bari, E., Di Gravina, G. M., Scocozza, F., Perteghella, S., Frongia, B., Tengattini, S., … & Conti, M. (2023). Silk Fibroin Bioink for 3D Printing in tissue regeneration: controlled release of MSC extracellular vesicles. Pharmaceutics, 15(2), 383.

We optimize (bio)printing processes and printing parameters to create high-fidelity tissue constructs. Post-print evaluation of structural integrity, cell viability, and mechanical performance ensures reproducibility and functionality for next-generation tissue engineering applications.  

• Scocozza, F., Sakaj, M., Auricchio, F., Scatto, M., & Conti, M. (2021). Shape fidelity and sterility assessment of 3D printed polycaprolactone and hydroxyapatite scaffolds. Journal of Polymer Research, 28(9), 327
• Bari, E., Scocozza, F., Perteghella, S., Sorlini, M., Auricchio, F., Torre, M. L., & Conti, M. (2021). 3D Bioprinted Scaffolds Containing Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Lyosecretome: Next Generation Controlled Release Device for Bone Regenerative Medicine. Pharmaceutics, 13(4), 515.
• Usai, F., Loi, G., Scocozza, F., Conti, M., & Pasotti, L. (2023). Design and biofabrication of bacterial living materials with robust and multiplexed biosensing capabilities. Materials Today Bio, 18, 100526.

We design and implement stimulation devices to enhance the biological performance of 3D-bioprinted constructs. By delivering mechanical, electrical, or biochemical cues, we promote tissue maturation and functionality, advancing the development of physiologically relevant engineered tissues.

• Loi, G., Scocozza, F., Benedetti, L., Auricchio, F., Marconi, S., Delgrosso, E., Cusella, G., Ceccarelli, G., & Conti, M. (2024). Design, development, and benchmarking of a bioreactor integrated with 3D bioprinting: Application to skeletal muscle regeneration. Bioprinting, 42, e00352.

We develop in situ 3D bioprinting protocols and stimulation strategies to enhance graft integration and tissue repair. This research is strictly interconnected with the SATURNO project, serving as a foundation to engineer human muscle, vascular, renal, and skin tissues. We aim to solve biofabrication and maturation challenges under altered gravity conditions, advancing functional regenerative medicine for both clinical and space applications.

• Loi, G., Zaccara, M., Cialdai, F., Risaliti, C., Leggieri, G., Notari, L., Bani, D., Conti, M., & Monici, M. (2025). Development of an in situ 3D bioprinting and laser-assisted wound care model: From leech regeneration to space medicine applications. International Journal of Bioprinting, 12(1), 637.