Scientists printed the first 3D heart using patient cells: Researchers from Tel Aviv University managed to successfully print the world’s first three-dimensional heart based on the cells and biological materials of patients.
Replicants: The Beginning
Scientists were able to create a whole heart with cells, blood vessels, ventricles, and chambers. This is noticeable progress compared to previous attempts, when only simple, vascular-free fabrics were printed.
The process of creation began with a biopsy of adipose tissue taken from patients. Cell material was used as “ink” for the printer. This allowed researchers to create areas of the heart and, ultimately, an entire organ.
The heart is not very big – it is the size of a rabbit heart. But the technology that made this possible will ultimately lead to the production of a human-sized organ.
Currently, the heart can only shrink, but scientists plan to improve it to make it work like the present. When this process is completed, they will try to test the heart on animals.
Researchers have been working on 3D tissues for many years in order to create functioning organs for transplantation. Scientists involved in the project at Tel Aviv University suggest that organ printers will be available for 10 years.
Source: Advanced Science
