An Interview with Liu Hao: SSBE Research Award Winner 2025.

Please introduce yourself. What is your background?

I was born and raised in China, where I completed my undergraduate studies in Materials Science and Engineering. During this time, I developed a strong interest in biomaterials and their applications in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, which motivated me to pursue a master study in Japan. There, I had the opportunity to work on 3D bioprinting for various applications, including cultured meat. 

Driven by curiosity, I moved to Switzerland to continue my PhD under the supervision of Prof. Marcy Zenobi-Wong at ETH Zurich. I have greatly enjoyed my PhD journey, where I developed a novel bioprinting technology and explored its applications in an innovative, interdisciplinary environment.

Outside of research, I enjoy exploring the nature of Switzerland. I like mountain and lake activities with colleagues and friends, and I also learned how to ski here.

You have received the SSBE award. Please briefly describe the project. 

During my PhD, I developed a light-based bioprinting technology—Filamented Light (FLight)—for creating aligned tissues such as muscle, tendon, and nerve. This method enables the fabrication of 3D hydrogel constructs within seconds using photosensitive biomaterials. The printed hydrogels feature highly aligned, fiber-like microstructures (Microfilaments) with channel-like voids in between. Cells can be pre-mixed with the photoresin, becoming encapsulated within the hydrogel. The microfilament dimensions (2–20 µm) closely resemble native extracellular matrix fibers, such as collagen, providing effective guidance for cell alignment and promoting maturation into functional tissues. The resulting constructs hold promise as in vitro models for studying disease progression and drug discovery, as well as anisotropic grafts for regenerative medicine and tissue repair.

What does the SSBE award mean to you? 

To me, it is a great honor to receive the SSBE award, as it recognizes both my PhD research and its potential impact in the field of biomedical engineering. The award motivates me to continue pushing boundaries and to work toward translating this technology into regenerative medicine solutions that can benefit patients. Moreover, such recognition helps increase the visibility of the technology and encourages further exploration of its applications through collaborative efforts. It inspires people to keep advancing the field and to contribute to bridging fundamental research with real-world medical needs.

Is this project still active? What are the goals?

The development of the FLight technology is very active. Its applications in tissue engineering and tissue modeling are being advanced through both internal and external research collaborations. Currently, I am supported by the ETH Pioneer Fellowship, which enables me to pursue the translation of this innovation into real-world solutions. Our goal is to develop tissue grafts for repairing damaged tissues, such as peripheral nerves. In parallel, we are actively seeking additional funding to support in vivo studies and to define the regulatory pathway, paving the way toward clinical translation.

Did the award have an impact on your career? 

The award has definitely had a positive impact on my career, as it recognizes the achievements and impact of my PhD research. It has also motivated me to remain committed to advancing the field of biomedical engineering and to pursue the translation of research into meaningful applications.

What kind of work are you currently doing? How is it related to your PhD studies?

As mentioned above, I am continuing the development of the FLight technology at ETH Zurich as an ETH Pioneer Fellow, with the goal of translating it into clinical solutions. This is a natural continuation of my PhD studies, and I enjoyed it a lot!

What is special about your current work ?

After demonstrating the core concept and applications of the technology during my PhD, I chose to pursue an entrepreneurial path. This has pushed me out of my comfort zone, as the challenges I now face require new knowledge and skill sets beyond pure research. At the same time, it offers a unique opportunity to approach problems from a clinical perspective and to work toward real-world solutions. What excites me most is the possibility of seeing a research spark evolve into an actual treatment for patients. Achieving this translation from innovation to impact is the most meaningful accomplishment I strive for in my career and life.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

I hope to see significant progress in the development of tissue repair grafts and the growth of a dedicated start-up team. I am passionate about working alongside talented engineers, biologists, regulatory experts, business professionals, and surgeons, all united by a common vision: to improve the standard of care for millions of patients by bringing innovative solutions from the lab to the clinic. I envision myself contributing not only as a scientist and innovator, but also as part of a team that transforms breakthrough research into tangible medical impact.

Is there something that you would like to convey to the SSBE members?

I would like to sincerely thank all SSBE members for making this award possible and meaningful. It is inspiring to see the progress across different areas, and I am excited to witness the next generation of PhD students and their groundbreaking work. To the younger researchers, I would encourage you to stay curious, open-minded, and collaborative. Lastly, the remarkable progress in the community would not be possible without diverse expertise and joint efforts. I am grateful to SSBE for fostering such a connected and supportive community that enables these achievements.