The UFS, CUT, FARMVOS, and a clinical research company that works with the UFS have joined hands in using 3D printed mini bioreactors in developing innovative 3D cell culture models.

Dr Angelique Lewies, Robert WM Frater Cardiovascular Research Centre researcher within the UFS Department of Cardiothoriacic Surgery, has led this project and is reducing the necessity for animal testing and is also enhancing the safety and success of new treatments by creating more accurate and human-like models.

The project was started as a solution in light of the challenges related with current 3D cell culture techniques, which are often expensive and complicated. This innovative motion promises to cut costs and also promote ethical research practices in the scientific community.

“We aim to develop affordable and efficient 3D-printed mini bioreactors for growing these advanced cell cultures. These bioreactors will be designed to fit into existing cell culture labs, making them accessible to researchers. By leveraging the cutting-edge 3D printing technology at CUT’s Centre for Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing (CRPM), the team hopes to create a versatile platform for various research applications,” said Dr Lewies.

She is in partnership with UFS colleagues Zurika Murray, a behavioural geneticist, and her colleague, Dr Marieka Gryzenhout, a C-rated scientist from the Department of Genetics and Senior Lecturer. Dr Jaco Wentzel from Farmovs is also involved in the project.

“Additionally, they are exploring the cardiotoxic effects of natural products, such as medicinal plants and mushrooms, which show potential for both anticancer and cardio-protective properties,” says Dr Lewies.

Dr Lewies’ team is approved by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) and given authority to research the controlled psychedelic compounds psilocybin and psilocin.

The long-term focus of the project is on possibly discovering new drugs to prevent and treat heart and brain diseases.

Compiled by Phalimo Moeketsi