3Rs- innovation center
Adoption of Bioprinting as an Ethical Alternative to Animal Testing
What is the IC-3Rs?
The Innovation Centre 3Rs (IC-3Rs) is a scientific platform at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) that promotes the implementation of the 3Rs (Replace, Reduce, Refine) in scientific research by using state-of-the-art technology and New Approach Methodologies (NAMs). IC-3Rs was created through the generosity of Mireille Aerens. She decided to donate a part of her wealth to the VUB. In 2015, she created the ‘Chair Mireille Aerens for the Development of Alternative Methods’ with Vera Rogiers (IVTD) as chairholder. As the dedicated founder of the chair, Mireille Aerens closely followed up the 3R-research of young scientists. In 2017, she helped to launch the IC-3Rs platform at the VUB. Thanks to her personal engagement, the Mireille Aerens Chair and the IC-3Rs platform will continue and grow for many years to come. This beautiful gesture reflects her attitude to life. We will all remember her exceptional kindness and generosity.
how do we do it?
At Heart Rhythm Research Brussels, we are introducing bioprinting as an advanced and animal-friendly approach to research in collaboration with IC-3Rs. This cutting-edge technology, which uses bioinks made from living cells, enables the creation of three- dimensional human tissue models, offering a promising alternative to reduce and replace animal testing.
Bioprinting accurately replicates the structure and function of human tissues, making it ideal for applications in cardiac electrophysiology, as well as for drug testing, toxicology studies, and disease modeling. This approach enables the development of patient-specific cardiac models that simulate heart tissue responses to therapies, allowing us to study arrhythmias and other heart conditions in a human-relevant context. By supporting
precision medicine, bioprinting enhances our ability to predict treatment outcomes and advance research in heart rhythm disorders.
Through our partnership with IC-3Rs, we are committed to promoting the Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement of animal use in research, ensuring ethical, human-centered models.