Biological ink breakthrough 'in' human body parts

Scientists have come closer to turning a fantasy dream into reality when developing technology to use biological ink to "print" different types of tissue in the human body.

>>>Simulation of organ system with 3D printing technology

According to the German Society for Organ Transplantation (DSO), the number of organ donors in the first half of 2013 has decreased by more than 18% compared to the same period last year. Meanwhile, demand in the coming years is expected to continue to increase, as people are continuing to age and the field of organ transplantation is constantly evolving.

Many serious diseases today can be successfully treated by replacing cells, tissues and organs. Practitioners, researchers and medical doctors practice therefore trying to improve treatment methods and procedures to produce artificial tissue. This is a feasible way to eliminate supply-demand gaps for implanted body parts.

Scientists from the Fraunhofer Institute (Stuttgart, Germany) have succeeded in developing biologically appropriate inks for artificial tissue printing technology.

Biological inks are transparent liquids, including ingredients from natural tissue matrices and living cells. This substance is formed based on a famous biological material: gelatin, which is derived from collagen and is the main component of the original tissue.

The team chemically modified the gelatin binding properties of the gelatin to match the biological molecules used for printing, but still maintained the liquid state of the biological ink. Only after being exposed to ultraviolet light, can they cure into a hydrogel - a high molecular weight compound that contains large amounts of water (like the original tissue), but is stable in water and when heated to 37 poison.

The researchers controlled the chemical transformation of biological molecules so that the obtained gels possessed different durability and puffing properties. They can therefore simulate the properties of natural tissue, from cartilage to soft adipose tissue.

The biofuel printer in the Stuttgart labs is generally no different from the usual office printers. However, if you look closely, you will see some basic differences. For example, heating elements on biological ink tanks have been set up. The number of nozzles and ink tanks is also less.

The current challenge for researchers is to produce tissue that has its own vascular system to provide nutrients. They are shaking hands with partners in the ArtiVasc 3D project backed by the European Union. The main goal of this project is to create a technology platform that helps produce perfect blood vessels from artificial materials and thereby create the world's first artificial skin with subcutaneous adipose tissue.

"This step is very important for tissue printing or complete body kits in the future. Only if we succeed in producing tissue can be nourished through its vascular system, printing. being able to make larger tissue structures can be feasible , " the team leader of the Fraunhofer Institute stressed.