Katharina Buczek
Not only is this process easier to control, but it also creates structures on a much smaller scale. In turn, the printer could create biological tissues measuring in at ten micrometers– which is very similar to the size of a single human cell.
“The scale is very important because it affects the biology of the organ. We are operating at the scale of human cells, which lets us print structures that mimic the biological features we are trying to replicate,” Chang explained.
Additionally, the printer allows for different cell and tissue types to be created interchangeably through the use of multiple bio-liquids. This is essential for more complex organs, such as the kidney and liver.
Simple organs, like bladders, have already been successfully created using traditional 3D bio-printing since they do not require a significant amount of cell types. To successfully create a liver or kidney, though, various cell types must be combined with immense precision.
“Being able to operate at this scale, and while precisely mixing bio-inks, makes it possible for us to reproduce any tissue type,” Chang said.
In turn, this approach has a widespread application that can potentially be accessible to various kinds of patients.
Since this research requires such precision, Chang and his research team have also developed a computational model to more accurately assess the numerous variables– including flow speed, channel structures, and material properties– that can affect patient outcomes.
While there is still a long road of experimentation ahead until Chang’s process becomes a mainstream medical option, he is hopeful that it may change future patient outcomes.
“This technology is still so new that we do not know precisely what it will enable. But, we know that it will open the door to creating new structures and important types of biology,” Chang said.
To read the study’s complete findings, visit the link here.
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