3D Bioprinting of Polymeric Nanostructures and Organoids

Clinical research involves several preliminary stages, including animal testing and preclinical research. The aim of these stages is to test products intended for human use while ensuring the highest possible level of safety for people. During the preclinical stage, the effects of a substance on cell lines and its toxicity are assessed. These same tests must then be carried out in animals. Once a clinical effect has been observed and low toxicity has been established, clinical trials involving humans can be conducted. Each stage involves costs that increase as a product approaches the market. Preclinical research is less expensive than animal testing, which in turn costs less than clinical research involving humans. Optimising the work carried out at each stage can therefore lead to substantial cost savings. In addition, bioethical considerations are becoming increasingly important, and reducing the use of animals in research is one of their key objectives. Bioprinting technology and the generation of organoids help address both of these challenges. Since the advent of 3D printing, its applications have continued to expand, and its use in biomedicine was a natural and promising development. IDiBE currently has a GESIM B5.1 bioplotter. This equipment was acquired to produce artificial skin that closely resembles human skin, helping to improve preclinical studies, shorten development times and minimise the costs associated with developing pharmaceuticals, cosmetic products and other products. In vitro toxicity tests are also commonly performed on cell lines. However, the effects of toxicity on an individual cell may differ from its effects on an entire organ. Developing models that closely mimic the behaviour of organs, known as organoids, therefore makes it possible to study toxicity and the effects of substances on specific organs before proceeding to animal testing. If these tests reveal, for example, that a substance is toxic, both animal testing and its associated costs could be avoided, particularly in the case of drug candidates unlikely to meet the stringent requirements for approval as medicines. IDiBE is currently working on the development of an innervated human skin organoid, as well as nanofibres for biomolecule delivery. It also plans to develop a pancreatic organoid and other customised organoids and nanofibres on request.

The use of bioprinting technology and organoids in preclinical research can reduce the time, costs and risks involved in identifying lead compounds and optimising them in terms of drug-likeness and ADMET (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity). The platform’s services are therefore aimed particularly at research centres and biotechnology companies involved in developing new active ingredients, especially pharmaceutical, veterinary, cosmeceutical and nutraceutical companies. Potential users include pharmaceutical, veterinary, cosmetic, cosmeceutical and nutraceutical industries, as well as any chemical industry interested in assessing the effects of its products on the skin or other organs, such as the pancreas. Another application is the design and bioprinting of nanofibres, which can be used to deliver biomolecules or as scaffolds for generating organoids for preclinical research.

This technology makes it possible to:

• Improve the cost-effectiveness of drug development.
• Conduct high-throughput screening.
• Reduce development times.
• Reduce the use of laboratory animals.
• Expand the range of biomolecule delivery systems.

IDiBE has the technology required to produce materials using its bioprinter/bioplotter, as well as certain types of organoids suitable for biomedical research and nanofibres capable of delivering biomolecules.

• Pharmaceutical and Veterinary Companies (R&D).
• Cosmetic and Cosmeceutical Industries.
• Nutraceutical Companies (Supplements and Functional Foods).
• Research Centres and Toxicology Laboratories.
• Chemical Industry concerned with the safety of its products.

Asia Fernández Carvajal – Elche Institute for Research, Development and Innovation in Healthcare Biotechnology