Precision bioprinting
Researchers have learned how to print objects the size of tens of micrometers
Tatiana Matveeva, "Scientific Russia"
Scientists from the USA have accelerated the process of microfluidic bioprinting, which will allow any organ for transplantation to be printed on a 3D printer, reports Stevens Institute of Technology. The development is described in detail in the journal Scientific Reports (Zaeri et al., Numerical analysis on the effects of microfluidic-based bioprinting parameters on the microfiber geometric outcomes).
The new technology uses microfluidics – the precise manipulation of fluids through tiny channels – to work on a much smaller scale than was previously possible. Most modern 3D bioprinters are based on extrusion: bio-ink is squeezed out of the nozzle to create structures about 200 micrometers in size (10-6 meters, about a tenth of the width of spaghetti). A microfluidics-based printer can print biological objects of the order of tens of micrometers in size, including at the level of a single cell. Working on the scale of human cells allows you to print structures that mimic the biological features of a particular organ.
In addition to working on a smaller scale, microfluidics also allows you to interchangeably use several biochernils, which contain different cells and tissue precursors, in one printing structure – almost the same way as a conventional printer combines colored ink into one bright image.
Researchers have previously created simple organs such as the bladder by stimulating tissue growth on 3D-printed scaffolds. But more complex organs, such as the liver and kidneys, require a precise combination of many different cell types. "The ability to work on such a scale with precise mixing of biochernils allows us to reproduce any type of tissue," the authors note.
Microfluidic 3D printing will also help to create skin and other tissues in place, which will allow you to print replacement tissues directly onto the patient's wound. Now the technology needs to be refined and additional research.
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