Micromachines Webinar | Biofabrication Horizons
Micromachines Webinar | Biofabrication Horizons
Part of the Micromachines Webinars series
13 February 2026
Organs-on-Chips, Tissue Engineering, 3D 4D Bioprinting and Bioinks, Microphysiological Systems, Vascularized Tissues, Decellularized ECM, Scaffold-Free Tissue Engineering, Regenerative Medicine, Drug Screening
Welcome from 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
Event Chair
Laboratory for Innovations in Microengineering (LiME), Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Victoria
Dr. Akbari is an Associate Professor and Director of Laboratory for Innovations in Microengineering (LiME) at the Department of Mechanical Engineering of the University of Victoria. He is the Section Editor-in-Chief of MDPI’s Micromachines- B2: Biofabrication and Tissue Engineering and Guest Editor of 6 special issues with MDPI.
Invited Speaker
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.
Microneedles; Additive Manufacturing; Microfluidics; Electrospinning; Biofabrication
Registration
This is a FREE webinar. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information on how to join the webinar. Registrations with academic institutional email addresses will be prioritized.
Certificates of attendance will be delivered to those who attend the live webinar.
Can’t attend? Register anyway and we’ll let you know when the recording is available to watch.
Program
|
Speaker/Presentation |
Time in PST |
Time in EST |
|
Webinar Opening + Special Issue Introduction Dr. Mohsen Akbari |
2:00 - 2:10 pm |
5:00 - 5:10 pm |
|
Additive Manufacturing Approaches for Fabrication of Micro- and Nano-Tissue–Material Interfaces Dr. R. Kirk Pirlo |
2:10-2:40 pm |
5:10 - 5:40 pm |
|
Q&A |
2:40 - 2:50 pm |
5:40 – 5:50 pm |
|
Closing of Webinar Dr. Mohsen Akbari |
2:50 - 3:00 pm |
5:50 - 6:00 pm |
Relevant Special Issue and Topical Collection
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
Relevant Journal Section
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.
Sponsors and Partners
Organizers
