In the future, bioprinting within the body to mend diseased organs

It appears that the fundamental step towards 3D bioprinting inside of the human body is now complete. Researchers from the University of New South Wales in Australia have created a robotic arm capable of 3D printing living cells within the body. This could revolutionize surgery in the future.

F3DB is the name of this prototype printing device. It looks like a small, flexible robotic arm. It is capable to 3D print living cells directly onto organs like a kidney. The scientists used an artificial colon to test the device and directed it towards the target organ.

Three-dimensional bioprinting consists in producing biomedical parts from ‘bioinks’. It has not been used on the human body. However, the new research examines how it could be used directly to repair damaged tissue.

The team’s work has led to the creation of a tiny 3D biological printer with a rotating head that can be inserted into the body like an endoscope, in order to ‘print’ cells directly on the surface of internal organs. Pre-programmed shapes and shapes that were created during intervention are both possible.

To clean blood or excess tissue from the area while printing, water can be directed through thenozzle. The prototyping prototype that was produced the smallest has a diameter of 12 mm. But, in the future, all medical equipment might be further reduced.

Next is testing on animals in order to develop this technology. The developers claim that a model that is suitable for professionals could be made within five to seven year. It could then be used for accessing areas that are not possible with traditional skin incisions.

This article explains the whole process. Advanced Science. – AFP Relaxnews