Why do we need to print organs with 3D Printer
Organ shortage is a well-known global medical problem. 3D printing technology has always been seen as a potential solution for organ shortages.
3D printers can manufacture biological cells, tissues, and even organs with the proper bio-ink.
How are organs 3D Printed | Bioprinting?
The technology of printing organs itself works similar to how regular 2D desktop printers work. It is done by laying down layers of ink.
This is done until the desired shape is achieved.
However, unlike 3D printers, this machine prints with a bio-ink. This bio-ink is composed of viable human cells.
This new 3d printing tech has been used in several medical fields such as skin grafts and surgical models. However, this is the first time they were able to produce an organ suitable for transplant.
Who will benefit from 3D Printing organs?
This tech could help research drug interactions on live subjects rather than animal testing, often producing inaccurate results.
This tech also has great promise for individuals with liver or kidney diseases who currently rely on donors or artificial implants.
3D printing technology is already being used to create viable transplants for patients in need, and this technology is only going to improve in the years to come.
Note: The only organ that was 3D printed and successfully transplanted into a human is a bladder. The bladder was formed from the host’s bladder tissue. Researchers have proposed that a potential positive impact of 3D printed organs is the ability to customize organs for the recipient.
1 thought on “Printing organs with 3D printers: Benefits and Challenges”
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