Beyond 2D Cell culture: emulating skeletal tissue microenvironments through 3D bioprinting

Most cell culture models are limited not by the cells themselves, but by the environments in
which we place them. Traditional two-dimensional (2D) systems provide limited control over
the structural and biochemical cues that regulate cell function, restricting their ability to capture
native tissue complexity. In this talk, I will show how 3D bioprinting can be used to engineer
more physiologically relevant cell culture models by recreating key features of the extracellular
matrix (ECM). Our approach focuses on the design of biomaterials and bioinks that mimic the
composition and function of tissues such as bone, cartilage or meniscus, enabling controlled
cell-material interactions and guiding stem cell behaviour. By combining multiple
biofabrication techniques, we can generate 3D models with defined architecture and spatial
organisation, going beyond conventional culture systems. These models offer improved
platforms for studying tissue function and regeneration. Ultimately, this talk highlights how
biofabrication can help bridge the gap between simplified in vitro systems and the complexity
of human tissues, enabling more predictive and biologically relevant models for therapy
development and drug screening.

– Marco Domingos –