Oliver Kopinski-Grünwald

Biofabrication is a multidisciplinary field that integrates diverse technologies to create three-dimensional structures composed of living cells, biomaterials, and other biological components. One of its main goals is the realization of functional tissue constructs with hierarchical architectures, as observed in native biological tissues, for applications in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, as well as for in vitro modelling. Given its multidisciplinary nature, continued collaboration among experts from various scientific and technological disciplines remains essential to address the challenges ahead and to achieve the ambitious objectives of this rapidly advancing field. Reflecting on the progress made since the first bioprinting attempts, one can only envision the achievements that biofabrication may accomplish in the coming decades. Symposia such as the Alpine winter school for Biofabrication, bring together leading experts and early-stage researchers who collectively shape the future of the discipline through innovation and discussion. During the 2025 edition of the winter school, participants exchanged knowledge on current advances, challenges, and future perspectives in biofabrication. Guided by experts in this field, early-stage researchers discussed and summarized their views on five key topics: (i) the future of devices and technology in biofabrication, (ii) current trends and opportunities in material development, (iii) impact on society, ethics, and communication, (iv) applications and clinical translation, and (v) education and skillsets required for successful research. Their perspectives summarized here, address critical questions about future methodology, material development, and technological improvements that will continue to shape the evolution of biofabrication. Furthermore, aspects such as the impact on society, as well as the required skillset and education for future scientists working in the field are discussed.

Cell-based therapies for intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) treatment face significant challenges, including cell damage from injection-induced shear stress and poor survival in the harsh, nutrient-depleted microenvironment of the intervertebral disc. To overcome these challenges, we developed scaffolded spheroids (S-SPH) by integrating human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell (hBMSC) spheroids (SPH) into microscaffolds (MS) produced via high-resolution 3D printing, thereby forming injectable tissue-building blocks. We optimized cell seeding density (∼2000 cells/spheroid) and MS fabrication parameters and induced nucleus pulposus (NP)-like differentiation using growth differentiation factor-5 (GDF5) under both normoxic and hypoxic, low-glucose conditions mimicking a healthy in vivo-like environment. S-SPH maintained high cell viability and produced abundant extracellular matrix under both culture conditions. They also upregulated key NP markers, including aggrecan (ACAN), keratin-18 (KRT18), and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF1α), which indicated successful NP-like differentiation. They also exhibited improved compressive properties approaching those of native human IVD and retained structural integrity and cell viability following injection through a 26G needle. When differentiated into an NP-like phenotype, S-SPH fused and retained a high viability upon injection in vitro. These results demonstrate that S-SPH provide a promising in vitro strategy for NP regeneration, warranting further preclinical evaluation for IVDD therapy.