Use 'elastic foam' to print artificial 3D hearts and more

Using a kind of 'elastic foam' and 3D printers, scientists at Cornell University created a liquid-shaped pump that acts like a human heart . Although this is only a primitive prototype, this material promises to be used not only for the heart but also for many other artificial parts for humans.

Use elastic foam to create 3D heart

The 'elastic foam' is actually made up of a poroelastic polymer . When used as 3D ink, it can create any shape that people desire. The resulting product has very soft, flexible properties and can stretch up to 600%. However, the unique point is that one can add to its structure a lot of small holes that allow fluid to pass through easily.

Elastic foam is made up of a poroelastic polymer.

When used to make an artificial heart, it requires it to hold the liquid inside it, only to let the liquid flow through predetermined circuit systems, enter and exit. To do that, scientists coated it with a thin layer of silicon / carbon fiber. By varying the amount and type of material in many areas on the crust, the heart can stretch, expand in many levels in different areas without tearing the shell.

For example, a spherical ball, which can be stretched, deformed into an egg when air is pumped, the solution is injected and then shrinks like the first time when the gas or solution inside comes out.

Currently, researchers have begun making a hand with an elastic foam structure. At the same time, they also sought to create a "more biological" material to gain FDA approval. The team said that if applied, too much heart can be created quickly and easily, can customize the shape to suit many people. At the same time, it can also be used to create many other agencies.