How to Print a Human
10 days ago
- #bioprinting
- #regenerative-medicine
- #organ-transplant
- The 'ghost heart' is created by washing away cells from an organ, leaving behind the extracellular matrix (collagen and other support structures).
- Decellularization (decell) removes cells to avoid immune rejection, while recellularization (recell) aims to repopulate the scaffold with a patient's own cells.
- 3D bioprinting is being used to construct organs by layering extracellular matrix and live cells, but challenges include cell alignment and vascularization.
- Adam Feinberg developed FRESH (Freeform Reversible Embedding of Suspended Hydrogels), a method to print soft tissues in a supportive gel bath.
- Collagen bio-ink is acidified for printing and solidifies when neutralized, while live cell bio-ink uses fibrinogen to clot upon contact with thrombin.
- Functional organ printing requires solving issues like nerve integration, muscle alignment, and capillary formation for nutrient delivery.
- Early successes include beating heart tissue constructs and bioprinted heart ventricles tested in mice, though full organ replacement remains years away.
- Scientists remain optimistic despite challenges, viewing setbacks as progress toward eventual breakthroughs in regenerative medicine.