Bioprinting Organs
San Diego based Organovo have been able to 3D print slices of functioning liver tissue that will perform regular functions such as filtering nutrients, toxins and drugs for up to 40 days.
This is a massive step forwards in bioprinting as it will speed up the discovery of new drugs and pave the way toward eventually growing a full-size, transplantable liver. However, we are still quiet far off being able to 3D print a whole functioning human organ. Organs as complex as the liver, kidney and heart require networks of tiny blood vessels to stay healthy and often consist of other tiny structures. Building both blood vessels and other structures at the smallest scales poses a huge challenge for 3D printers.
Researchers not only at Organovo but also at the University of Louisville are staying optimistic though, suggesting that a 3D printed heart could be produced within the next decade.
The link below is to the Organovo website which has a TED video describing how the technology works.
See more - http://www.organovo.com/science-technology/bioprinted-human-tissue
This is a massive step forwards in bioprinting as it will speed up the discovery of new drugs and pave the way toward eventually growing a full-size, transplantable liver. However, we are still quiet far off being able to 3D print a whole functioning human organ. Organs as complex as the liver, kidney and heart require networks of tiny blood vessels to stay healthy and often consist of other tiny structures. Building both blood vessels and other structures at the smallest scales poses a huge challenge for 3D printers.
Researchers not only at Organovo but also at the University of Louisville are staying optimistic though, suggesting that a 3D printed heart could be produced within the next decade.
The link below is to the Organovo website which has a TED video describing how the technology works.
See more - http://www.organovo.com/science-technology/bioprinted-human-tissue
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