The researchers from US-based Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine have developed a new modified ink-jet technology to produce a variety of tissue and organ prototypes.
The new bioprinting technology enables multiple cell types and other tissue components to be arranged in pre-determined locations with high precision.
In an early form of the technology, different cell types have been placed in the wells of an actual ink cartridge and a printer was programmed to arrange the cells in a pre-determined order.
At present, the researched deployed an adapted version of ink-jet printing technology to allow on-site printing of skin for soldiers with life-threatening burns.
Through using the technology, the skin cells will be placed directly into a print cartridge along with essential materials to support them, and would be printed directly on the soldier’s wound at the site of the wound.
In addition, the scientists have developed a novel 3D printer to produce organ and tissue prototypes.
Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center is also providing new option to treat stroke-causing blood clots in people with atrial fibrillatiom (AFib).
The center is offering new Watchmanleft atrial appendage (LAA) closure device for the treatment of AFib patients.
Image; Wake Forest researchers have developed a new bioprinting technology to build tissue and organ prototypes. Photo: courtesy of Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center.