Barely four months ago, Israeli researchers managed to create a mini heart from tissue and blood vessels using 3D bioprinting. A milestone in medicine and modern technology. The only downside to the small format heart was that it didn't work properly. Now this problem should also be solved. Researchers at the University of Pittsburg in the USA have succeeded in producing a functioning heart chamber using a 3D printer for the first time.
3D bioprinting: Will artificial organs be created for transplants in the future?
The heart valve and ventricle were created down to the smallest detail from collagen and human heart muscle cells using 3D bioprinting technology. The printer's high resolution enabled the precise production of the fine components of the human organ. The completed ventricle had already contracted after several days and has been beating at a regular rate ever since. Could this be the first step toward creating artificial organs for transplants? Researchers agree that science is not there yet. The project is currently still in the testing phase. Before completeartificial organsTo be produced, animal testing must be carried out. Only after it is clear that the organs really work can they be transplanted into people. However, the first step is successful and if everything goes according to plan, the hearts of patients with a heart attack could be retrofitted with artificial components and tissues in the near future.
The advantages of the 3D printer
Another important advantage of 3D technology is that cells from the patient are used in the production of a heart valve or ventricle. Through a biopsybecome stem cellstaken, which later transform into heart muscle cells. In this way, the risk of an immune reaction against the organ is minimized. In addition, the 3D bioprinting process creates the organs very quickly. The researchers hope that this project will allow them to produce organs for all patients in need of a transplant in the future.
For the3D-Bioprinting Project
