3D Bioprinting Shared Facility for Advancing Interdisciplinary Research at the University of South Carolina - Project Summary/Abstract The University of South Carolina (USC) seeks to establish a state-of-the-art 3D bioprinting shared facility, equipped with an advanced CELLINK bioprinting system to significantly enhance and modernize research capacity in biomedical sciences. This system will consist of three core components: the BIO X6, a versatile extrusion-based bioprinter with six printheads allowing for simultaneous deposition of multiple biomaterials; the BIONOVA X, a high-throughput digital light processing (DLP)-based bioprinter for rapid fabrication of complex 3D structures; and the LUMEN X, a high-precision, light-based bioprinter designed to create intricate microarchitectures such as vascular networks. This integrated system will enable the creation of physiologically relevant, multi-cellular tissue constructs, addressing critical gaps in USC's current research infrastructure and advancing research operations to a new level of sophistication and efficiency. The acquisition of this cutting-edge technology will enhance USC's research capabilities in critical areas such as tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, personalized therapeutics, and disease modeling. It will directly benefit multiple NIH-funded projects, including studies on cardiac tissue engineering, muscle regeneration, and neurodegenerative diseases. The system will allow researchers to create complex 3D tissue constructs, incorporating multiple cell types and biomaterials to replicate the heterogeneity of native human tissues. This capability is particularly important for the development of more accurate models for drug efficacy and toxicity testing, which are essential to reducing reliance on animal models and accelerating drug discovery pipelines. Furthermore, the ability to generate vascularized tissue constructs will enhance USC's ongoing research in fields like cardiovascular disease, cancer, and neurodegenerative disorders. The 3D bioprinting facility will be a shared resource, managed by the Office of the Vice President for Research, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and cost-effective research across multiple academic units, including Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing, School of Medicine, College of Pharmacy, College of Art and Sciences, and the Arnold School of Public Health. USC is committed to supporting this facility with dedicated staff and resources to ensure its long-term sustainability and optimal utilization. It will serve as a hub for training graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and faculty in cutting-edge bioprinting technologies, enhancing USC's competitive position in securing high-impact research grants. Long-term, the facility aims to significantly strengthen USC's position in biomedical research by enabling the development of advanced tissue models, improving the efficiency of preclinical research, and fostering innovations in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine that have the potential to inform future clinical applications.
