Tissue bioprinting and regenerative medicine are critical new frontiers in advancing human health. In partnership with a top Spanish researcher, the NWU has dramatically expanded its bioprinting research and innovation capabilities in its quest to find alternatives to animal testing and enhance personalised medicine.

Prof Daniel Nieto, an international expert from the University of A Coruña in Spain, visited the North-West University (NWU) from 5 to 9 May to inaugurate the DNietolab-NWU Biofabrication Research Unit at the Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences on the Potchefstroom Campus.

Prof Nieto, who coordinates the Advanced Biofab group at the Interdisciplinary Center for Chemistry and Biology (CICA) in Spain, facilitated the installation of a state-of-the-art 3D bioprinter at the NWU and conducted hands-on training sessions with local researchers and students.

“This is a first for Africa and the first implementation in South Africa of customised light-based bioprinting technology for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine from HealthBiolux,” says Prof Lissinda du Plessis, who leads the project together with Prof Chrisna Gouws. They work with six postgraduate students.

The bioprinter has been added to the 3D bioprinting laboratory, which will serve as a hub for research and innovation. There are plans for an annual workshop in A Coruña starting in February 2026 to further strengthen ties between the research teams.

The partnership aims to boost international cooperation in the fields of biomanufacturing, 3D bioprinting and regenerative medicine, and pursue alternatives to animal testing.

It also sets the stage for academic exchange, resource sharing and joint research initiatives between the two institutions.

“While the NWU has strong foundations in basic scientific research, our work at CICA focuses on applied science,” says Prof Nieto. “This collaboration allows us to combine our strengths and offer students from both institutions a richer, more integrated research experience.”

“This is a significant milestone for the NWU and for research in Africa,” says Prof Gouws. “We are building a global network that empowers students and researchers to address some of the most pressing challenges in biomedical science.”

NWU has the biggest cluster for 3D spheroid cell culture

The NWU already has significant strengths in the field of biomedical science. These include the largest CelVivo ClinoStar System cluster for 3D spheroid cell culture in the world.

The ClinoStar system is based in Prof Gouws’ research group, which is acknowledged as one of the leading groups in Africa for advanced cell modelling research. The system

promotes the growth, maintenance and functionality of large tissue, including spheroids and organoids.

The 3D cultures and tissue that the research group creates through bioprinting can be used to facilitate drug development and toxicity, and are also relevant in the study of tissue and disease formation and progression to improve personalised medicine.

“These 3D tissue models give us attractive alternatives to animal testing,” says Prof du Plessis. “By developing non-animal alternative models and new approaches that are relevant to the African context and with African genetics, we are addressing both the need for animal alternatives and genetic diversity in South African biomedical research.”

CICA research centre is known for its excellence

The CICA research centre, established in 2015, is recognised for its excellence in biomedicine, nanoscience and environmental health. With over 200 researchers and a strong focus on gender equality, the centre has been awarded Galician University System Network of Research Centers (CIGUS) recognition by Xunta de Galicia for research quality and societal impact.

Prof Nieto, a recipient of a Consolidator Grant from the European Research Council, will continue to act as a key liaison between the two labs, ensuring ongoing collaboration and innovation. For more information about CIGUS, visit https://cigus.gal/en/.

Attending the launch of the DNietolab-NWU Biofabrication Research Unit are, from left, Charl du Plessis, Kara van Zyl, Dr Alandi van Niekerk, Dr Nadina Usseglio, Prof Daniel Nieto, Prof Lissinda du Plessis, Prof Chrisna Gouws, Ahmed Ahmed, and Mauritz Maré. Prof Nieto, a CICA-affiliated Oportunius researcher and recipient of a European Research Council Consolidator Grant, leads the initiative to promote cross-border collaboration in advanced bioprinting.

Students engage in hands-on training with the newly installed HealthBiolux 3D bioprinter at the NWU’s Biofabrication Research Unit, gaining practical experience in cutting-edge tissue engineering technology.