• bioprinting
• elastin-like protein
• self-assembling
• tissue engineering

The aim of this thesis is to characterise the printing process of self-assembled ELK1-GO structures used in vascular tissue engineering. In the first phase of the thesis, finite element simulations were carried out with the aim of predicting the optimal parameters for printing these engineered blood vessels. In the experimental phase, tests were carried out with different printing technologies to evaluate the best performing technology and the optimal printing parameters. The resolution in the plane (xy) and in space (z) was evaluated and proofs of concept of human-like and not-human-like vascular networks were recreated with the aim of validating the process. The results showed that the optimal printing technology is the pneumatic extrusion technology. The resolution of the system both in the plane and in space is 200 µm. Although future developments include further morphological analyses of structures and cellular tests, the application is promising in the tissue engineering field.