Dr. Gu, currently a Full Professor at both the Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine and the Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences. He spearheads a laboratory renowned for its advancements in biomaterials and cutting-edge technologies, notably 3D/4D bioprinting. As an accomplished academic, Prof. Gu has published over 35 peer-reviewed articles in prestigious journals, including but not limited to Adv. Mater., Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., Mater. Horiz. and Adv. Funct. Mater., primarily delving into bioprinting, biofabrication, and stem cell engineering. In acknowledgment of his significant contributions to the field, he has been honored with the Young Investigator Award from the Chinese Society of Stem Cell Research (CSSCR) and the Excellent Young Scientists Fund from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC). Beyond research, he lends his expertise to the editorial boards of esteemed journals, such as Biofabrication, Bioactive Materials and Cell Proliferation.

Topic title: Utilizing cellular mobility to connect engineered and natural organs

Abstract:

In the multifaceted field of organ fabrication, which lies at the confluence of developmental biology, bioinspired engineering, and regenerative medicine, the overarching goal is to intricately replicate the complex morphological and functional characteristics of natural organs. Traditional approaches, such as advanced 3D bioprinting, have made significant strides but often fall short in accurately emulating the dynamic, self-organizing processes fundamental to organogenesis, particularly the nuanced patterns of cellular motility and spatial organization. This discrepancy underscores a pivotal challenge in tissue engineering: achieving a level of biomimetic fidelity that bridges the gap between synthetic constructs and their biological counterparts. Our research endeavors to integrate the principles of developmental biology with cutting-edge organ fabrication techniques. By focusing on the synergistic application of cellular motility and self-assembly mechanisms, we aim to enhance both the structural intricacy and functional authenticity of engineered tissues. This approach not only promises to advance the field towards more realistic, clinically applicable synthetic organ solutions but also offers profound insights into the underlying mechanisms of tissue development and regeneration.