Tracy Xie, a student from the University of Ottawa, interviews Dr. Stephanie Willerth, a full professor and Tier II Canada Research Chair in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Victoria. In 2019, Dr. Willerth's group pioneered a new way to 3D print neural tissues using fibrinogen, a natural substance that helps our blood clot.

In addition, Dr. Willerth is the CEO and co-founder of Axolotl Biosciences, a women-led biotech company. They have created the world's first commercial neuro-ink by bringing her 3D bioprinting technology to the market with Axolotl Biosciences!

In this episode, we discuss the journey behind creating this versatile bioink, the advancements it helped lead to, and the exciting future of 3D bioprinting.

Learn more about Dr. Willerth's work here: https://www.engr.uvic.ca/~willerth/

Learn more about Axolotl Biosciences here: https://www.axolotlbiosciences.com/                 


0:05 | BEaTS Research Radio and host introduction
0:26 | Background on 3D bioprinting
0:51 | Introduction to Dr. Willerth and her 2019 paper
2:03 | Current landscape of 3D bioprinting
3:17 | Key takeaways from Dr. Willerth's 2019 paper
4:20 | What makes this bioink so special?
4:53 | Choosing the right materials to support stem cell growth
6:03 | Checking stem cell viability and differentiation into neurons
6:54 | The biggest challenge in developing this protocol
7:40 | Dr. Willerth's favorite parts of the project
8:29 | Advancements and applications using this bioink!
9:38 | Next steps from the Willerth Lab
11:22 | Outro, and thank you for listening!

Music by the Underground Drive. All rights reserved. Listen more:

https://music.apple.com/ca/artist/the-underground-drive/1571062779

https://open.spotify.com/artist/4sCJG8TMQyTZ9FDd1JjJmR

Ryan Chan (Producer), Tracy Xie (Show Host), Abigail Shaver (Writer Editor), and Mia Petrović (Audio Master).