Revolutionising tissue reconstruction with bioprinting
The STRONG-UR bioprinting solution represents a
unique combination of novel manufacturing technologies
and biomaterials for regenerative medicine. It aims to create viable tissue constructs, particularly for the fabrication of tubular organs.
The STRONG-UR bioprinting solution represents a unique combination of novel manufacturing technologies and biomaterials for regenerative medicine. It aims to create viable tissue constructs, particularly for the fabrication of tubular organs.
Focus on male urethra
STRONG-UR focuses on the treatment of male urethral strictures which affect a significant proportion of the male population.
With specifically designed 3D bioprinter components and biomaterials, the project seeks to make personalised, engineered tissue available for medical use.
A stricture is a narrowing in a tube-like passage in tubular organs such the esophagus, trachea, stomach, intestine, bladder and the urethra.
Bioprinting technology for medical research
This EU-funded project is pioneering advancements in medical research through cutting-edge bioprinting technology, which enables the creation of tissue constructs with precise cell composition, structure, and mechanical properties.
Combining innovative 3D printing tools
Combining innovative 3D printing tools
At the heart of STRONG-UR’s approach lies the combination of existing innovative bioprinting technologies with a deep understanding of how the urethra functions and what happens when it becomes damaged.
Smart bioinks
Smart bioinks
Creating functional tissue with 3D bioprinting requires more than just the devices, it starts with the right materials. In STRONG-UR, bioinks are carefully designed by combining living cells with a specially formulated hydrogel that provides both structure and support.
The pathway to clinical applications
The pathway to clinical applications
Our team will conduct two different surgical procedures to implement STRONG-UR bioprinting solutions, depending on the magnitude of the damage in the urethra: single “fast-track” and multistage procedures.
We are conducting a comprehensive study on the structure of the human urethra to better understand it and its functional relationships. Based on this information, we will develop bioprinting strategies to personalise the architecture and composition of the tissue structures. Afterwards, we will validate the technology with in vivo models.
Pablo Pennisi
Associate Professor at Aalborg University and Project Coordinator
A significant healthcare challenge
Urethral stricture disease is an increasingly common condition that can have a devastating impact on patient’s health and quality of life. This condition occurs when scar tissue builds up inside the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder, causing it to narrow or even become completely blocked.
The growing use of medical procedures involving the urethra, such as catheterisation and radiotherapy, and ageing population are some of the factors contributing to the rise in cases. While this issue is often overlooked, studies show that urethral strictures affect around 0.6% of the male population in both the USA and Europe.
Videos
News & Events
18th Annual Meeting of the Scandinavian Society for Biomaterials
STRONG-UR will be present at the ScSB2025 thanks to the participation of our partners AM Technologies by Brinter and Tampere University.
40th Annual EAU Congress
STRONG-UR’s partner, the European Association of Urology, organises Europe’s biggest urological event: the 40th Annual EAU Congress (EAU25).
An international consortium
Backed by a consortium of 12 partners from six European and one associated member state, STRONG-UR combines expertise from academic institutions, hospitals, and industry. The team includes specialists in cell biology, biomaterials, 3D printing, and urology from leading organisations across Europe.
