IISc partners with CELLiNK, launches centre of excellence for 3D bioprinting

Karnataka's IT/BT Minister CN Ashwath Narayan on Friday launched the centre of excellence (CoE) at the Centre of Biosystems Science and Engineering (BSSE) at IISc.

The 3D bioprinting technology which enables printing of human tissues and organs, would facilitate faster and more accurate models for drug development, he said on the occasion.

The CoE which will focus on working around the heart care, bone, cartilage and cancer, will house several state-of-the-art 3D bioprinters. This will also serve as a hub for several research initiatives and training activities related to the emerging field of bioprinting technology, he said.


IISc director Govindan Rangarajan said, "IISc and CELLiNK will work together to conduct workshops aimed at providing the necessary skills to utilise 3D bioprinting and to enable reap the benefits of 3D cell culture. The two will undertake and advise on research projects related to tissue engineering, drug discovery, material science and regenerative/ personalised medicine."

"The CoE excellence will provide access to 3D bioprinting systems and enable researchers to accelerate their work across critical applications. Eventually this would lead to improved health outcomes," Tomoko Bylund, head at CELLiNK (Asia Pacific), said.

Well-known oncologist Dr US Vishal Rao said, 3D bioprinting helps printing tissue and organ models, helpful in drug research and developing potential treatments. This will have an impact on drug discovery, testing and regenerating tissues for therapies.