The Doctoral Program (PhD) in Dental Science at the Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FKG UGM), held an expert lecture titled “Bioprinting Tissue-Like Constructs and 3D Models: From Development to Applications” on Monday, 17 November 2025. The event took place at the Margono Soeradji Auditorium, 3rd floor of FKG UGM, and was also attended online via Zoom.
The lecture featured Dr. Monize Caiado Decarli, Assistant Professor at the Department of Biomaterials & Biomedical Technology (BBT), University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG)/University of Groningen, the Netherlands. Dr. Decarli currently leads the Bioprinting and Biofabrication Group, which focuses on developing bioprinting technologies for tissue engineering and human cell-based 3D models.
During her presentation, Dr. Decarli guided participants through recent advances in bioprinting, ranging from hydrogel-based biomaterial development and 3D structural design to manufacturing processes using advanced bioprinting technologies. She emphasized the importance of analyzing biological responses to understand how engineered tissues interact with micro- and macro-environments in healthy conditions as well as in disease, injury, and aging.
Bioprinting Research for Tissue Engineering and Clinical 3D Models
Dr. Decarli discussed cutting-edge developments in bioprinting, including 3D structure design, hydrogel-based biomaterial development, and advanced biological printing processes conducted at the ML-II facility of UMCG. Her research aims to create tissue-like constructs for tissue engineering and implantation, as well as accurate 3D models for drug screening, pathology studies, and regenerative mechanism research.
Bioprinting is a biomaterial and living-cell manufacturing technology that applies 3D printing principles to produce structures resembling human tissue. It utilizes bioinks—a mixture of cells, biomaterials (such as hydrogels), and bioactive molecules—that allow cells to grow and function in three-dimensional forms. This technology holds significant potential for medicine and research, from disease modeling and drug safety testing to the future possibility of printing implantable tissues or organs.
Dr. Decarli stressed that bioprinting is not solely about precise shape fabrication but also about understanding cell–environment interactions, including anatomy, biomechanics, extracellular matrix composition, and cellular responses to physical and chemical stimuli. Through this multidisciplinary approach, bioprinting has emerged as a key technology in modern tissue engineering, bridging laboratory research and future clinical applications.
Her research focuses on four main pillars: Material Science (development of biocompatible hydrogels from plant-based, animal-derived, and humanized biomaterials), Design Engineering (precise 3D structural design based on target organ anatomy and physiology), Bioprinting Processes (cell-based bioprinting using single cells, organoids, and human spheroids), and Biological Responses (analysis of cellular and tissue responses in health, aging, injury, and disease).
Faculty of Dentistry UGM Doctoral Program
The event was enthusiastically received by PhD students of FKG UGM attending both in person and online. Chair of the Doctoral Program in Dental Science, Prof. Dr. drg. Widowati Siswomihardjo, MS, noted that such expert lectures are essential for enriching students’ perspectives on global research trends and fostering potential international collaborations between FKG UGM and institutions such as UMCG.
With more than 15 years of research experience in tissue engineering, bioprocess engineering, and cell culture, Dr. Decarli earned her PhD through a dual-degree program at Maastricht University (the Netherlands) and the University of Campinas (Brazil). In 2024, she participated in the Catalyst MIT Program at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology as part of leadership development in biomedical innovation.
Through this event, FKG UGM reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening international academic networks and enhancing educational and research excellence in dentistry and biomedical sciences.
A Glimpse of Dr. Decarli's International Career
In addition to his work in the Netherlands, Dr. Decarli has a strong background in tissue engineering and bioprocess engineering, with 15 years of laboratory research experience. He earned his Ph.D. through a dual degree program at Maastricht University (Netherlands) and the University of Campinas (Brazil). In 2024, he joined the MIT Catalyst Program at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA, as part of the development of future biomedical innovation leaders.
(Reporter: Andri Wicaksono, Photo: Fajar Budi Harsakti)
