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3D printing

Breakthrough in Micro-Optics and 3D Printing: Dr. Andrea Toulouse Launches 3DEndoFab Research Group

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Dr. Andrea Toulouse, a renowned expert in micro-optics and 3D printing, has been awarded €1.8 million in funding by the Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung to establish a new junior research group, 3DEndoFab, at the Institute of Applied Optics. This innovative project aims to develop endoscopic 3D printing technology that can build biological tissue directly inside the body, revolutionizing the field of biomedicine. With a focus on miniaturization, light-based processes, and biodegradable materials, 3DEndoFab aims to fill the gap between laboratory-scale tissue printing and practical, minimally invasive treatment options.

Key Takeaways:

  • Dr. Andrea Toulouse's 3DEndoFab research group will focus on developing endoscopic 3D printing technology for medical applications, with a focus on miniaturization, light-based processes, and biodegradable materials.
  • The project aims to fill the gap between laboratory-scale tissue printing and practical, minimally invasive treatment options.
  • The junior research group will comprise two doctoral students from engineering and one from biotechnology, with a shared vision to advance endoscopic 3D printing.
  • Close interdisciplinary collaboration with Prof. Michael Heymann from the Institute for Biomaterials and Biomolecular Systems will enable exploration of fundamental biological questions and potential medical applications.
  • The feasibility of 3D printing through an optical fiber has already been demonstrated in the previous project EndoPrint3D, spearheaded by Dr. Toulouse.

Statistics:

  • €1.8 million in funding awarded to Dr. Andrea Toulouse's 3DEndoFab research group by the Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung.
  • The junior research group will comprise two doctoral students from engineering and one from biotechnology (3 total members).
  • The project aims to establish a clear connection to medical applications, with potential collaboration with the Bionic Intelligence Tubingen Stuttgart (BITS) research network.
  • The Biomedical Systems and Robotics for Health profile area at the University of Stuttgart will be strengthened by the junior research group, with opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration.

Sources:

  • "3D Endoscopic Microfabrication (3DEndoFab)" project, funded by the Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung, VerticalNews, November 2025.
  • "Dr. Andrea Toulouse's 3DEndoFab research group: Developing endoscopic 3D printing technology for medical applications," Institute of Applied Optics, University of Stuttgart.
  • "EndoPrint3D project: 3D printing through an optical fiber," Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung, October 2025.
  • "Bionic Intelligence Tubingen Stuttgart (BITS) research network," University of Stuttgart.
  • "Biomedical Systems and Robotics for Health profile area," University of Stuttgart.

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