Micromachines Webinar | Biofabrication Horizons — February
1st Edition
the chair
5th Micromachines Webinar
Biofabrication Horizons
Dear Colleagues,
It is my pleasure to announce the launch of a new webinar series of the “Biofabrication and Tissue Engineering” Section of Micromachines (MDPI). This monthly series is dedicated to fostering global dialogue and collaboration at the forefront of our rapidly evolving discipline.
Each webinar will spotlight groundbreaking advances in 3D and 4D bioprinting, next-generation bioinks, organs-on-chips and microphysiological systems, scaffold-free tissue assembly, advanced biomaterials (including stimuli-responsive hydrogels and decellularized matrices), microfluidics, hybrid micro/nano-fabrication techniques, and translational strategies that bridge the gap between bench and bedside.
By convening leading researchers, clinicians, and industry innovators, we aim to highlight the latest discoveries in disease modeling, drug discovery, regenerative medicine, and the commercialization of biofabricated constructs—ultimately accelerating the delivery of transformative solutions to patients and society.
Micromachines is proud to provide this platform to stimulate interdisciplinary exchange, amplify emerging voices, and drive the field toward clinically impactful innovations in personalized healthcare.
I would like to invite you to join us, share your work, and be part of this exciting journey.
Best Regards,
Mohsen Akbari
Date: 13 February 2026
Time: 2:00 pm PST | 5:00 p.m. EST
Webinar ID: 825 0102 1861
Webinar Secretariat: journal.webinar@mdpi.com
Meet Our Speakers
Dr. R. Kirk Pirlo
School of Engineering: Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Dayton;
Kirk Pirlo is a native of West Virginia and received his B.S. in physics from West Virginia University in 2005. He earned his Ph.D. in bioengineering at Clemson University in 2009. He was a National Research Council Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the Bioenergy and Biofabrication Section at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, where he developed ‘biopapers’ and multi-mode bioprinters. He joined the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) as Federal Research Biologist in the Bioenergy and Biofabrication Section in 2011 and in 2013 began the role of Principle Investigator developing biomaterials, bioreactors and bioprinting technologies to benefit the warfighter. From 2015-2019, he served as the government chief technology officer for BioFabUSA. He joined the Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering at the University of Dayton in August 2019 and heads research in the Biomatter Manipulation Technologies group. He is currently engaged in the development of novel biomaterials and biofabrication processes with an emphasis on affordable, scalable, biochip arrays for research and pharmaceutical testing.
Additive Manufacturing for Medical Applications, 2nd Edition
Edited by: Dr. Lawrence Kulinsky and Dr. Snehan Peshin
Deadline for Submission: 31 March 2026
Biofabrication Frontiers
Edited by: Dr. Mohsen Akbari
B2: Biofabrication and Tissue Engineering
The ‘Biofabrication and Tissue Engineering’ section of Micromachines focuses on cutting-edge research and innovation in the design, fabrication, and application of biologically functional constructs for regenerative medicine, disease modeling, and drug discovery, with a strong emphasis on bioprinting technologies, including the development of advanced bioinks, 3D/4D printing techniques, and scaffold-free approaches to the creation of complex, multicellular tissues. It also explores organs on chips, leveraging microfabrication to create physiologically relevant models for studying organ-level functions, disease mechanisms, and drug responses, bridging the gap between traditional models and clinical applications. This section highlights the role of biomaterials, such as smart hydrogels, nanocomposites, and decellularized matrices, in directing cellular behavior, promoting tissue regeneration, and enabling the integration of engineered constructs with host tissues. Additionally, it addresses the critical aspects of commercialization and translation, focusing on scaling up technologies, navigating regulatory pathways, and fostering market adoption to accelerate the transition of biofabrication innovations from the lab to clinical and industrial applications, ultimately advancing human health.