Congratulations to Dr. Núria Ginés Rodríguez on her PhD defence
19-10-2026
We are delighted to share that Núria Ginés Rodríguez successfully defended her doctoral thesis, titled “Integrating laser-based bioprinting strategies with articular joint microphysiological systems”, at Utrecht University on 14 October 2026.
In her PhD research, Núria explored how advanced biofabrication approaches can be used to develop more sophisticated in vitro models of the knee joint. Her work focused on improving the physiological relevance, miniaturization and throughput of articular joint models, with the broader aim of advancing organ-on-chip and biofabrication strategies for musculoskeletal research.
A central theme of her thesis was the use of Laser-Induced Forward Transfer (LIFT) as a high-resolution bioprinting technology. During her PhD, Núria explored and optimized LIFT for several applications. These included the patterning of pre-vascular co-cultures with high spatial resolution, the first steps towards LIFT printing in open-top organ-on-chip systems, and the patterning of cartilaginous spheroids into mechanically reinforced melt electrowritten (MEW) meshes. In addition, she investigated the use of LIFT to pattern artificial cells (coacervates) with high spatiotemporal control.
Her thesis also addressed the development of advanced microphysiological systems of the knee joint, as well as the feasibility of using biofabrication to further miniaturize these systems and increase their throughput.
This research was carried out under the supervision of Jos Malda and Riccardo Levato, and was connected to the NWO Perspectief SMART OoC consortium, which brings together multidisciplinary expertise to advance organ-on-chip technologies.
We warmly congratulate Dr. Núria Ginés Rodríguez on this important achievement and thank her for her valuable contribution to the field of biofabrication and regenerative medicine.
Related publications
Advanced in vitro models of the knee joint: https://lnkd.in/efd2fXF5
Miniaturization and increased throughput using biofabrication: https://lnkd.in/dAz646ya
High-resolution patterning of pre-vascular co-cultures using LIFT: https://lnkd.in/eZfaJMgh
Patterning cartilaginous spheroids into reinforced MEW meshes: https://lnkd.in/epby9uxf
Patterning artificial cells (coacervates) with high spatiotemporal control: https://lnkd.in/ewKs3tRw