Biofabrication refers to the controlled production of biological structures, tissues and materials using combined processes from biotechnology, engineering and materials science. Through the use of cell-based systems, biomimetic materials and digitally controlled manufacturing technologies, it is possible to develop biological systems in a targeted manner, design them to be functional and manufacture them on a scalable basis. This interdisciplinary technology opens up new possibilities not only for biomedicine, but also for the biotechnological production of cultured meat.

With the establishment of a centre for biofabrication at the Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology IGB in Stuttgart, the development and use of this precision tool is now to be specifically promoted. The project is being supported with a total of around €3 million. Of this, the state of Baden-Württemberg is contributing around €1.2 million from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and €900,000 from state funds. The Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) is supporting the project with a further €900,000.

Transforming manufacturing processes into scalable, marketable solutions

In establishing the Centre for Biofabrication, the Fraunhofer team can build on its existing expertise. Researchers here are already working on biofabrication technologies such as the functionalisation of material surfaces for contact with biological systems and the development of cell-containing bioinks for bioprinting. ‘The funding will enable us to conduct targeted research into manufacturing processes for biological tissues and products, optimise them and translate them into scalable, marketable solutions in our pilot plant,’ said Petra Kluger, Director of the Fraunhofer IGB.

New solutions with great value-added potential for SMEs

When presenting the funding approval on 12 November, State Minister of Agriculture Nicole Hoffmeister-Kraut emphasised that the new centre would bundle the existing strengths in Baden-Württemberg and ‘enable completely new solutions with great value-added potential’ – especially for small and medium-sized enterprises.

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