University Basel
University Basel (UNIBAS), est. 1460, leads in Swiss academics, notably in pharma, biotech, bioengineering. Located in Basel’s hub, it fosters industry ties. DBM,(Department of Biomedicine) a UNIBAS-Hospitals Basel venture, bridges research and clinics. 70+ groups focus on areas like tissue regeneration. Barbero/Martin’s work on nasal chondrocytes led to cartilage defect treatments. DBM, within the Medical Faculty, centers on medtech, imaging, implants, and regeneration. SwissMAM pioneers 3D-printed implants in surgery. Basoli’s group advances biofabrication and sensors. The m2M Project, a DBM-DBE (Department of Biomedical Engineering) collaboration, uses chondrocytes and 3D printing for maxillofacial grafts, highlighting translational research.
Work in m2M
Research activities aimed at bioprinting of maxillofacial and auricular grafts. The three main objectives are: development and in vitro evaluation of osteochondral grafts using nasal chondrocytes (NCs) in melt electrowriting (MEW)/bioink construct. Development and in vitro evaluation of auricular construct using NCs and the integration and evaluation of MEW/bioink in temporomandibular joint defect model in mini-pig.
Researchers involved
Laboratories
Past Publications
- Belcastro et al. Real-Time Nitric Oxide and Inflammation Sensing in 2D Osteoarthritis Models: Microsensor Design and Application. Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical, 137147. (2025).
- Yoshikawa et al. Electrospun Polycaprolactone-Curcumin Scaffolds: Optimization of fiber production for enhanced Nanotopography and improved biological cell adhesion. European Polymer Journal, 113616. (2024).
- Yoshikawa et al. Simple Electrospinning Method for Biocompatible Polycaprolactone β-Carotene Scaffolds: Advantages and Limitations. Polymers, 2024. 16(10): p. 1371.
- Mumme et al. Clinical relevance of engineered cartilage maturation in a randomized, multicenter trial for articular cartilage repair. Scie Transl Med 17(788):eads0848 (2025) doi: 10.1126/scitranslmed.ads0848.
- Kaiser et al. Engineering autologous nasal cartilage for repair of nasal septal perforation – a case series. Int J Surg 110(10):6573-6580 (2024) doi: 10.1097/JS9.000000000000184.
- Dönges et al. Engineered human osteoarthritic cartilage organoids. Biomaterials 308:122549 (2024). doi: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2024.122549.
Past financed projects
- PHOENIX-OoC
- JPIAMR
- LAROCARE
- ENCANTO
- Treatment of patellofemoral osteoarthritis with nasal chondrocyte-based engineered cartilage implantation in a randomized, controlled, multi-center phase
- uKNEEque
- 3D microfluidic osteochondral model to investigate mechanisms triggering osteoarthritis and therapeutic effects of bioactive factors produced by human nasal chondrocytes
