3D bioprinting, 3 times the results!
3D bioprinting is the use tri-dimensional printing
technologies to combine cells and biomaterials to fabricate biomedical parts
that imitate natural tissues as closely as possible. The medical parts are
generally produced with the use of deposit materials known as Bioinks, through the technique
called layer-by-layer printing.
As of now 3D bioprinting is being used to print tissues and
organs that are being used to research drugs, medical treatments and surgery
techniques. This new technology seems particularly promising considering the
rapid expansions of all 3D printing techniques as well as the rapidly declining
costs.
The Process
To print a tissue or organ there is usually a 3-staged
process: pre-bioprinting, bioprinting, and
post-bioprinting. During the first
step, researchers must develop a model that the printer will then recreate and
the materials to be used. Once the model is created and a digital visualization
of it is done, the cells chosen for the print are mixed with a special liquid
that will keep them alive and the organ is thus ready to be printed. The second
step in the process is when the organ or tissue is actually printed. The liquid
mixture prepared in the previous step is placed in the printer’s cartridge.
After this, the printing can begin using the aforementioned layer-by-layer
technique. After the organ has been printed the third step in the process
starts. The newly created organ has to be kept alive by being placed in the
right chemical solutions and it also has to be mechanically stimulated to avoid
deterioration. 
Applications
A company based out of San Diego, Organovo,
was the first company to commercialize 3D bioprinting technologies. Its
printers are specialized in the production of skin tissue, heart tissue and
blood vessels.
Further technological improvements will make it possible for
companies to 3D print fully functioning organs, tissues and even body parts
that will dramatically improve the treatment options available for many serious
diseases and injuries.
The future looks promising!
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