Estelle Palierse

I joined the BmS group in September 2023 as a postdoctoral fellow. My research focuses on the development of bioinks from tissue-derived materials to fabricate 3D bioprinted constructs. The goal is to mimic the in vivo cell environment through controlled mechanical properties and topography. I am also interested in the adhesive properties of hydrogels.

• 2023 - current, Postdoctoral Researcher in BioMaterial Systems group, Materials Science and Engineering department, Uppsala University
• 2020 - 2023, Postdoctoral Researcher in Molecular, Macromolecular Chemistry, and Materials Laboratory, ESPCI Paris - PSL, Paris (France)
• 2016 - 2019, PhD student in Laboratoire de Chimie de la Matière Condensée de Paris and Laboratoire de Réactivité de Surface, Sorbonne University, Paris (France)
• 2011 - 2016, BSc and MSc in Chemistry, Université Pierre et Marie Curie (Sorbonne University), Paris (France)

Project 1: 3D bioprinting using tissue-derived bioinks

In their native environment, cells are surrounded by and interact with the extracellular matrix (ECM). Comprising proteins and polysaccharides arranged in an intricate porous network, ECM incorporates cells, enzymes and growth factors. The interaction between cell and ECM largely determines cellular behavior. To engineer in vitro specific cellular response, for tissue engineering applications or advanced in vitro tissue modelling, one needs to recreate this 3D environment to some extent. 3D bioprinting, where hydrogels and cells are combined in a bioink, enables the fabrication of hierarchical heterogeneous cellularized structures with tailored topographical and mechanical properties. In my research, I am formulating bioinks that are able to give the biochemical and biophysical cues for cells adhesion and proliferation. In particular, my project involved the use of decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM), obtained from the decellularization of native tissue. Gels derived from dECM possess biochemical cues to assure an adequate cell viability by retaining multiple important components of ECM. I am working on tuning the properties of the gel to study the effect of mechanical cues such as viscoelasticity and topography on the cellular response. In order to process the gels with extrusion-based 3D bioprinting, I intend to develop a bioprinting protocol that preserved the cell viability.

Project 2: Development of bioadhesives using decellularized extracellular matrix hydrogels

Traditional methods to close wounds or seal fluid leaks includes mechanical sutures or staples. They are not satisfying as they are associated with poor sealing, higher infection rates, extensive handling and tissue reactivity. On the contrary, polymeric tissue adhesives are easy to use with rapid application, and introduce minimal damage. However, their applications are still limited due to weak adhesion and poor mechanical properties. In this project, I am aiming at using dECM gels in association to diverse additives to develop soft tissue adhesives.