New Bio-Ink Allows for 3D Printing of Living Tissue

A new stem cell-laden bio-ink created by scientists at the University of Bristol allows for the 3D printing of living tissue, or bioprinting. This development could lead to the printing of complex surgical bones and cartilage implants using a patient’s own stem cells in the future.

An artist’s impression of a 3D living tissue bioprinting. (Image courtesy of University of Bristol)

The bioink is composed of two different polymers: a natural extract from seaweed, and a synthetic polymer already in use in medical surgeries. The synthetic polymer converts from a liquid to a gel at exactly 37°C, while the seaweed polymer provides structural support once cell nutrients are absorbed. Amazingly, once cell nutrients are introduced, the synthetic polymer dissolves away, while the stem cells and seaweed polymer remain. The stem cells in the ink are osteoblasts (a cell that secretes the bone material) and chondrocytes (a cell that secretes the matrix of cartilage).

Dr. Adam Perriman, lead researcher from the School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine at Bristol, stated:

Designing the new bio-ink was extremely challenging as it required a material that is printable and durable enough to maintain its shape if immersed in nutrients and does no harm to the cells. There was a lot of trial and error tests before they were able to formulate a working method.

External Link: http://www.explainingthefuture.com/bioprinting.html