The event, held at Soehanna Hall in the Energy Building of the Sudirman Central Business District, was themed "Computing for the Future." Vascular, or blood vessel, grafts have been increasingly used with the rising prevalence of coronary bypass surgeries and microvascular flap reconstructions. The current treatment options consist of either native or synthetic blood vessels designed to replace damaged ones but they each have their pitfalls due to challenges with compatibility, durability and structural limitations.

Caitlyn joined a research lab at the State University of New York at Stony Brook and explored innovative techniques and processes which can potentially revolutionize vascular surgery.

"Our goal was to craft a collagen-based scaffold that serves as a three-dimensional foundation for blood vessel cells to proliferate, with applications extending to artificial skin constructs.” The research aspires to provide surgeons with a viable alternative that reduces the need for harvesting blood vessels from other areas of the patient's body, minimizing potential complications. “These bio-printed vascular grafts hold the potential to transform vascular surgery by offering personalized transplants with lower rejection rates," explained Caitlyn.

An important aspect of the research centers around the development of biomaterial and living cell combinations which leads to the creation of advanced bio-inks that facilitate an optimal environment for cellular integration within the recipient’s tissue. The most exciting breakthrough involves the fabrication of blood vessel scaffolds. By utilizing specialized bio-inks and precise printing techniques, the research team aims to replicate the intricate architecture of natural blood vessels.

Caitlyn found immense fulfillment in her work which aligned with her deep passion for pushing for discoveries that improve human lives. She also conducted experimental research on chitosan biopolymer film, combining it with antiseptics such as povidone-iodine, methylene blue and turmeric for wound healing applications.

Additionally, Caitlyn established a Biotech club to inspire and empower young students, particularly girls, to explore the intersection of biology and precision technology. She is also a staunch science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) advocate and is the founder and leader of STEM4Pemuda (STEM4Youth), an organization conducting science activities with underprivileged children from various Indonesian communities, opening doors for these young minds.

While the research has not been without challenges, it is one step closer towards creating functional, synthetic blood vessels that seamlessly integrate with the human body. In the ever-evolving field of 3D bioprinting of vascular grafts, the research offers a beacon of hope for both patients and healthcare professionals. The revolutionary 3D bioprinting unites the intricacies of live biology with technological precision, addressing critical issues of tissue and organ donor shortages and ushering in a new era of vascular care.

Caitlyn Limbert is a senior high school student at the British School Jakarta who is passionate about the cells and biological systems behind life, driven by the mission to expand the impacts of modern biology & health, advocate for STEM opportunities and help the underprivileged community.

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