3D Bioprinting
The field of 3D bioprinting is evolving and improving every day. Thanks to the efforts of researchers from around the world, 3D bioprinting is currently developing at the fastest pace and is an extremely promising sector of three-dimensional technology. Although most advanced developments are still in the testing phase, new improved schemes are being introduced en masse, competing with existing 3D bioprinting methods. The principle of the technologies is always the same, but the bright minds of humanity find innovative ways to apply existing 3D bioprinting techniques.
For instance, a research team from Ireland has developed a new technique: 3D bioprinting of large and complex cartilage implant structures. Such constructions provide an optimal basis for the regeneration of bone tissues, which is the goal of many specialists in the field of bioprinting. The team of scientists from the research organization Amber in Dublin, Ireland, intends to apply 3D bioprinting in the production of next-generation implants. This center specializes in the study of various 3D printing materials and its activities are not limited to the medical field. Researchers also work in nanoelectronics and are engaged in printing innovative batteries on a 3D printer.
Bones on a 3D Printer
According to scientists, their development could find wide application in spinal surgery as well as in treating patients with cranial issues. There are no limitations regarding the type of conditions — these could be acquired or congenital diseases, injuries, or damages. Any bones can be printed on a 3D printer. In short, 3D bioprinting of bone implants involves creating a so-called “template” for the implant from organic biomaterials and stem cells. The resulting structure can be implanted directly into the patient, after which the formation of blood vessels and solid bone tissue begins. The advantage of the technology is the absence of the need for long-term “cultivation” of living tissues in laboratory conditions.
The prepared template can be implanted directly into the damaged area, where over time it will become a fully functioning part of the human body. This 3D bioprinting represents a worthy alternative not only to modern titanium implants but also to allo- and autotransplantation procedures. Despite widespread use in medicine, each of the latter is associated with several challenges that can be difficult to overcome. For example, in allotransplantation, the most common problems are tissue rejection and disease transmission. 3D bioprinting of bone transplants carries none of these risks.
Advantages of 3D Bioprinting
Autotransplantation is unpleasant due to pain and is often accompanied by various post-operative complications. It is not surprising that scientists place great hopes on 3D bioprinting technology. Recent research in this field clearly shows that it allows bone tissue restoration without significant difficulty using the patient’s own cells. The advantages of 3D bioprinting eliminate the undesirable consequences typical of allotransplantation. Regarding Amber technology, its developers plan initially to apply the method for the production of
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