Zhi Jiun Yap

• MBBS (NUMed Malaysia)
• The use of 3D printed polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds for prostate tissue reconstruction

A major challenge for the treatment of patients with prostate cancer/benign prostate hyperplasia is the availability of suitable tissue for surgical reconstruction. Advances in stem cell biology mean that we can now generate large volumes of healthy prostate cells from the patient’s own diseased cells; however, the ability to generate tissue from these cells remains a limitation. In this study we look into using cutting edge 3D printing technology to generate scaffolds to seed the appropriate cells with the aim of producing a pre-clinical prostate model. This model is potentially used in surgical reconstruction and the testing of new treatment. 

Project Supervisor: Dr Rakesh Heer, Northern Institute for Cancer Research

Funding source: Newcastle University