Scientists could soon ‘print off new organs’ after using a 3D printer to create living tissue
Researchers at Bristol University made the break-through which could help repair diseased or damaged areas of the body
BRITISH scientists have learned how to 3D print living tissue and could one day “print off” human organs in a discovery which is “taking the scientific world by storm”.
Boffins at the University of Bristol have developed a bio-link from stem cells which enables the production of human tissues.
The miraculous material could repair diseased or damaged areas of the body such as knees and hips and eventually create vital organs.
Speaking to the , lead researcher Dr Adam Perriman, who is a specialist in cellular medicine, said: “This is a very exciting development which we believe could lead to a revolution in the treatment of diseases like osteoarthritis and other causes of tissue damage.
“This approach is taking the scientific world by storm in terms of its approach to regenerative medicine.”
“We believe this work will also help in the development of this new field bioprinting, which can be applied in other areas of medicine, including the treatment of burns, and even the development of organs.”
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Egg-heads in Bristol have already created a full-size tracheal cartilage ring using the 3D printed tissue structures.
The formulation features human stem cells along with nutrients and molecules called polymers which can change from solid to liquid according to temperature
After being released from a 3D printer on to warm printer base, the bio-link turns to a solid gel containing all the ingredients to form living tissue.
Dr Perriman said: “Designing the new bio-ink was extremely challenging.
“You need a material that is printable, strong enough to maintain its shape when immersed in nutrients and that is not harmful to the cells.
“There was a lot of trial and error before we cracked the final formulation.”
The expert team of scientists in Bristol have been able to transform the stem cells into bond building cells which can form cartilage.
Across the pond, American scientists are using ink-jet printing technology to print skin straight onto soldier’s horrific burns.
This new technology involves boffins sticking stem cells into printer cartridges which are then printed directly onto the wounds of fallen heroes.
Stem cells, which are taken from parts of the body such as bone marrow, can grow so rapidly that in around six weeks a layer one cell thick can be large enough to cover a football field.
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