Simulation of organ system with 3D printing technology

Using 3D printing technology to create internal organs and tissues is no stranger, but incorporates many parts on the same device to simulate the body's response to exposure to chemical toxins or The biological agent of Wake Forest Institute of Regenerative Medicine (USA) is the first project in the world and is attracting the attention of the medical community.

According to Dr. Anthony Atala, director of Wake Forest Research Institute and the lead author of the project, the project aims to build miniature human organ systems to consider how they respond to harmful agents. During testing, developing potential treatments.

Photo: michaelbelfiore

Accordingly, people first use 3D printers to create cells and print parts that function similarly to the heart, liver, lungs and blood vessels based on the hydrogel frame. These organs are then transplanted onto a 5cm-sized microchip board and linked to a system that contains the same solution as the blood used in trauma surgery to feed the cells, as well as The substance leads chemicals, biological agents and potential treatments into the system.

Information on a number of factors such as temperature, oxygen concentration, pH . in the same way that the reactive, interactive parts will be recorded by the sensors, helping scientists follow Watch closely for each specific treatment.

Dr. Atala said that this solution works better than animal tests that were previously costly and time-consuming while the results were not always applicable to humans. In particular, the Wake Forest Institute confirms they can test antidote for sarin gas - the nerve-damaging chemical used in the recent civil war in Syria.

Therefore, the US Department of Defense has spent $ 24 million to finance the project in the hope that these potential trials will significantly reduce the time and cost needed to develop a medical solution if these occur. Terrorist attack with biological or chemical weapons.