U of S research builds bones with 3D printer

A leader in the exciting and emerging field of tissue engineering, Chen’s interdisciplinary research team is working with the 3D-Bioplotter (printer) in the University of Saskatchewan’s Bio-fabrication Laboratory to develop new ways to help restore bone function in individuals who have suffered serious trauma, infection, disease or defects.

“I am always excited about this kind of research,” said Chen, a professor of mechanical engineering and leader of the Tissue Engineering Research Group at the U of S. “Before this we did research to repair peripheral nerves and spinal cords and cartilage as well as treat heart attacks. So, we have done some research in those applications and achieved some success and we have found that we have strengths in this area in this university. So, we are confident going ahead with this kind of research.”

Chen was one of 12 U of S researchers who were awarded Collaborative Innovation Development grants in March from the Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation, receiving $50,000 in funding over the next 18 months for his new project. Chen’s team is bioengineering bone substitutes (known as scaffolds) and employing the world-class imaging technology of Canada’s only synchrotron in the Canadian Light Source facility on the U of S campus to track the effectiveness of their new bone regeneration strategies.