Bioprinting (the ability to 3D print organs using stem cells) is the next big thing in biotech. The inclusion of bioprinting enables convenience of fixing severe injuries, replacing affected organs among, rapidly testing new medicine, among other applications.
However, it is time consuming and not economically feasible for everyone to afford. Until now...
EPFL
However, these qualms could be a thing of the past as researchers at EPFL and University Medical Centre Utrecht have created an optical system that is capable of printing complex living tissues?in just a matter of seconds as opposed to the time-consuming, layer-based process today.
As per a study shared in Advanced Materials, the technique is dubbed 'Volumetric Bioprinting' which creates tissues by projecting a laser down a spinning tube that consists of a hydrogel full of stem cells. The tissue can be shaped depending on the laser's direction that will help in solidification of stem cells. This will create a useful 3D shape in a matter of seconds. After that, all the scientists need to do is introduce endothelial cells to add vessels (vascularise) to the tissue.
According to the researchers, with this new technique they'll be able to create a tissue which could be several inches long. One of the instances of their work was a valve similar to a heart valve, a meniscus and a complex-shaped part of the femur. This technique is also capable of printing interlocking structures with ease.?
Reuters
Damien Loterie, an LAPD researcher and one of the study's coauthors states, "Unlike conventional bioprinting a slow, layer-by-layer process-our technique is fast and offers greater design freedom without jeopardizing the cells' viability."?
With the application of this technique, laboratories could produce artificial tissues and organs on a much larger scale on a fast pace. This will come in handy especially while testing drugs. This would not only help eliminate the need for animals to be used for testing while also making the process more streamlined and cost-effective.