3-D Printing Now Able to Print Tissue in Humans
Source：study finds
From：Taiwan Trade Center Chicago
Update Time：2020/07/20
The 3-D printing industry has recently achieved the innovation of being able to print biological products, such as skin tissue and blood vessels, directly into a patient. Traditionally, scientists have had to print materials and then transplant them into a patient, with significant complications and risk. With this new technology, now scientists can print the necessary product within the patient’s body, which allows the procedure itself to be far safer than before.
Previously, there were significant risks to 3-D printing for medical purposes, such as longer recoveries, an extra surgery for the physical transplant, and a host of complications during the recovery. The biggest risk, however, is the chance of transplant rejection. With this new technology, the printer uses a chemical called “bio-ink” which gives a foundation for the already existing cells to integrate and grow into new tissue intertwined with the print. Therefore, the 3-D printer can print directly into the body, since the print is adaptable for living tissue to mingle with.
Along with the bio-ink, scientists designed a new nozzle for the process. This nozzle pierces the patient’s tissue so that there is room for the print to enter, and then squeezes the bio-ink out into the patient, filling in the holes it just created. The result is that the existing tissue interlocks with the bio-ink which creates a stronger bond within the body.
The medical world commends this new technology as it sees the potential for personalized tissues to fight diseases and injuries that are customized per patient. Though there are many risks to this new type of technology, scientists are beginning to address those now that the equipment has advanced. Overall, they see the benefits of mitigating risks for external 3-D transplants over the new potential risks of this type of printing directly in the operating room into the patient.
Source：https://www.studyfinds.org/groundbreaking-technology-allows-3d-printed-printed-tissues-directly-into-human-body/