Creating whole organs in the lab is a distant dream. Some experts think it always will be. But as innovations in 3D bioprinting begin to filter out of research groups and into the commercial and clinical worlds, less headline-grabbing advances could nevertheless prove significant.
The first step of bioprinting is to create a model of the organ using biopsy samples, CT scan, and MRI. Then, a mixture of cell and nutrients (also called as bioink) are added to the scaffold in a layer-by-layer approach to generate tissue-like structures.
A recent 3D printing project by researchers at Australia’s Griffith University should improve the lives of people suffering from one of the most common wrist ligament injuries.
Vladimir Mironov, Chief Scientific Officer 3D Bioprinting Solutions, will speak on May 4 with a lecture "Bioprinting of the world first functional and vascularised human organ" on 3D PRINTING IN MEDICINE conference.
A new 3D printing project, known as Follow Knee, was recently announced in France that its supporters claim “will have the potential to improve the lives of millions suffering from knee problems.”
Researchers have developed a bioprinting technique that combines molecular self-assembly with additive manufacturing, an advance with potential benefits for tissue engineering and drug testing.
Researchers in Japan have used a 3D bioprinted cellular patch to repair damaged human diaphragms attached to rats, seeing “complete tissue integration” of the printed grafts after a period of time.
In the future, researchers hope to be able to produce 3D printers that can actively contribute to a patient’s healing process.
Last week in Skolkovo a joint project of ROSKOSMOSA and 3D Bioprinting Solutions was presented with a biological experiment onboard the International Space Station.
A pair of very special speakers took part in a conference devoted to 3D bioprinting in space at the Skolkovo innovation centre on Wednesday.
