Biological 3D printing can help blind people see again

It is a major feature of many science fiction 'blockbusters' , and now scientists have created a full 3D printed biological eye.

Researchers at the University of Minnesota have printed a series of light receptors on a hemispherical surface. And they believe that this biological eye may soon help blind people see, or people with refractive errors see better.

3D printed semiconductors can convert light into electricity with an efficiency of 25%.

Dr. Michael McAlpine, co-author of the study, said: 'Biological eyes are often seen as science fiction, but now we have come closer to it than ever before using a pluralistic 3D printer. whether '.

To create the biological eye, the researchers began with a hemispherical glass tube. Then, with 3D printers, they created a base ink of silver particles, before printing 'diodes' - semiconductors that convert light into electricity.

During tests, the team found that 3D printed semiconductors could convert light into electricity with an efficiency of 25%.

The team is planning to build a prototype with more light receptors that will be more efficient. They also want to find a way to print on a softer material that can be implanted in the real eye.