The Bioartificial Pancreas Devices project at the University of Twente develops novel membrane‑based encapsulation technologies for treating type 1 diabetes. Unlike current insulin therapies, these devices contain insulin‑producing cells protected from the immune system, allowing glucose regulation without injections or lifelong immunosuppression. Researchers tailor membrane porosity and use microfabrication to encapsulate cells in tiny protective capsules that permit nutrient and insulin exchange, offering a promising alternative to donor‑based transplants and improving long‑term glucose control for patients.
The Bioengineered Kidney Systems research at the University of Twente focuses on developing improved kidney replacements for patients with chronic kidney disease. Traditional dialysis only partially cleanses the blood and donor organs are scarce. Researchers led by Professor Dimitrios Stamatialis are creating advanced systems that mimic natural kidney function, including artificial kidneys using mixed matrix membranes and bioartificial kidneys with living renal cell membranes to remove a broad range of uremic toxins. These technologies could be used in portable or implantable devices to enhance blood detoxification and patient quality of life.
Osteoarthritis is the most common rheumatic disease, affecting over 1.2 million people in the Netherlands. It involves gradual cartilage loss, inflammation, and bone malformations, with current treatments mainly reducing pain. Focal cartilage defects, often caused by sports injuries, increase the risk of early-onset osteoarthritis and remain a challenge for orthopaedic surgeons. The Developmental BioEngineering group, led by Professor Marcel Karperien, has developed a reparative strategy using an injectable hydrogel to fill cartilage defects and promote new tissue growth. The hydrogel can also deliver cells in the body and be used in microfluidic devices for fast production of cell-laden microgels, serving as building blocks for complex tissues via bioprinting.
The Targeted Treatment of Cancer research at the University of Twente addresses the challenges of treating cancer by focusing on the tumour microenvironment and tumour stroma, which are key in tumour growth and metastasis. Researchers, led by adjunct Professor Jai Prakash, aim to understand interactions between cancer cells and stromal cells such as CAFs and TAMs, and to identify novel therapeutic targets. The team develops innovative peptide- and nanotechnology‑based approaches to reprogramme the tumour microenvironment and deliver therapies to specific cells, using 3D models like tumour spheroids and tumour‑on‑chip systems to better emulate the tumour environment and improve therapy effectiveness.
The 3D Bioprinting research at the University of Twente develops advanced additive manufacturing and biofabrication technologies to create scaffolds, membranes and engineered tissues for medical applications. Researchers such as assistant professor Andreas Poot and professor Dirk Grijpma design biocompatible, biodegradable materials like tubular PTMC scaffolds, while associate professor Jeroen Rouwkema’s group focuses on 3D bioprinting vascularised tissues with organised networks of large and small vessels. By controlling the mechanical and chemical properties of the cellular environment, this work supports tissue growth, nutrient delivery and integration in future regenerative therapies and implantable devices.
