Key Developments

At the 251st National Meeting & Exposition of the American Chemical Society (ACS) held in San Diego, U.S., a revolutionary process was unveiled. This process could potentially lead to the precise creation of 3D printed implants that could repair damaged body parts such as noses, ears, and knees in the future.

3D Bio-Printing: A Disruptive Technology

3D bio-printing is anticipated to revolutionize tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. It could provide a new way of creating tissues and organs in the lab, reducing the need for organ donations and transplants.

Research at the Wallenberg Wood Science Center, Sweden

The research team at the Wallenberg Wood Science Center in Sweden is particularly interested in collaborating with plastic surgeons to create cartilage for repairing damage caused by injuries or diseases like cancer. The focus is primarily on repairing parts of the body like the nose and the ear, where surgeons currently face difficulties in repairing.

The Process

The research team developed a unique bio-ink by blending polysaccharides derived from brown algae and minute cellulose fibrils from wood or bacteria. This mixture also included human chondrocytes, which are the cells responsible for cartilage development.

Using this bio-ink, the researchers were able to 3D print living cells in specific architectures, such as the shape of an ear. The printed structure maintained its form post-printing. Furthermore, the printed cells were also able to generate cartilage in a laboratory setting.

To transition the research from a laboratory dish to a living system, the team printed tissue samples and implanted them into mice. The cells not only survived but also produced cartilage.

To overcome the challenge of increasing the number of cells, a vital requirement in tissue engineering, the researchers mixed the chondrocytes with human mesenchymal stem cells from bone marrow. Preliminary data from in vivo testing over 60 days suggested that this combination does indeed stimulate the production of chondrocytes and cartilage.

Looking ahead, the team believes that they might be able to repair damaged body parts using a 3D printer and a bio-ink made from the patient’s own cells, offering a personalized treatment approach.