Organs from the printer: it's not long to wait
AMTecH expects to print artificial organs in 5-10 years
Andrey Vasilkov, Computerra
On the basis of the engineering center of the University of Iowa, the AMTecH (Advanced Manufacturing Technology) association has been formed, working on a wide range of biomedical projects. The long-term goal set is impressive. It is planned to develop and prepare for the introduction of technology for growing artificial human organs in five to ten years.
The idea is associated with the film "Bicentennial Man", released in 1999. Today she no longer looks frankly fantastic. It's more about refining a lot of individual technologies and techniques than starting from scratch. In the process of creation, existing 3D printers for medical purposes and "biological ink" will be actively used. Look at what has been achieved today.
"Biochernila" is a multicomponent mixture. In addition to the cell culture itself, they contain hydrogel as a support material and a nutrient medium. All components must be introduced in time to the specified area in exact proportions, which complicates the design. Unlike a conventional printer, the problem of the relative position of the print heads is relevant here.
In parallel, we have to solve typical problems of inkjet printing. Computerra has already written about how the issue of clogging of print heads in medical printers is being solved now and what unusual options are proposed to be used in the future.
On the other hand, printing "in several hands" allows you to work with different types of cells at the same time. In fact, this approach brings us closer to the layered reconstruction of parenchymal organs with a complex structure. So far, it has been possible to print only relatively simple "patches": skin flaps, fragments of artificial bones and valves.
One of the most promising areas of the AMTecH team indicates the creation of a partial analogue of the pancreas. An artificial organ with beta cells could be used to continuously regulate blood glucose levels.
Portal "Eternal youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru12.03.2013