What began as a home project between father and daughter ended up becoming an award-winning biomedical innovation at one of the most important bioengineering events in Argentina. Daniela Cruz Belmonte, a student of Biomedical Engineering at the National University of General San Martín (UNSAM), received the SABI 2025 Award for designing a low-cost dual-extruder bioprinter, developed together with her father, Hugo, an electromechanical technician.
From keychains to human tissues: the journey of a transformed printer
In 2019, Daniela bought the parts separately to build her first 3D printer, with the aim of avoiding the high cost of acquiring a new one. With the help of her father—who handled the structural part while she tackled the electronics—they built the first prototype. With that printer, Daniela started an accessory business, which allowed her to acquire two more machines while continuing her studies.
In 2023, she joined Lab3Bio through a PEFI Scholarship from the School of Science and Technology, where she proposed to modify one of her printers to turn it into a bioprinter capable of working with biocompatible materials.
With the support of her directors—Joaquín Palma, Marcos Bertuola, and Élida Hermida—she designed a new extruder and began experimenting with hydrogels and biodegradable polymers.
“This project allowed me to see how engineering can provide real solutions to health,” Daniela expressed.
National recognition and biomedical applications
The development was presented at the Argentine Congress of Bioengineering (SABI 2025), where it received the award for best student work, highlighting its technical quality, collaborative spirit, and open approach.
The bioprinter can print structures that mimic human tissues, such as a three-dimensional ear in 2023 and a trachea composed of hydrogel and polycaprolactone in 2025.
Bioengineering: real solutions for health, environment, and industry
Daniela’s story illustrates the potential of bioengineering, a discipline that applies engineering principles to biological systems to solve challenges in multiple areas:
In medicine and health
- Design of smart prosthetics and devices like the EyeWriter, which allows drawing with the eyes
- Advanced diagnostics and development of regenerative therapies
- Reproductive health: creation of oocytes and sperm from stem cells
- Healthcare management: maintenance and certification of medical equipment
For environment and sustainability
- Efficient agriculture: crops resistant to pests and diseases
- Bioremediation: cleaning of contaminated soils and waters
- Renewable energies: development of biofuels and clean sources
In industry and technology
- Innovative materials: edible spoons, smart clothing
- Biometric security: identification at airports and banks
Engineering with impact: technical knowledge and social vocation
The case of Daniela and Hugo demonstrates that innovation does not always require large laboratories, but rather creativity, collaboration, and commitment.
From a homemade printer to an award-winning biomedical tool, the project embodies the transformative potential of applied engineering, with a direct impact on health, education, and national technological development.
Cover photo: Infocielo
