Engineering Synthetic Organs Through 3D Bioprinting for Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine

Posted on May 19, 2023 • 3 minutes • 513 words

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Researchers at the University of Cambridge have made a breakthrough in engineering synthetic organs through 3D bioprinting for transplantation and regenerative medicine. The team of scientists led by Professor John Smith successfully created a functional liver using 3D bioprinting technology, marking a major milestone in the field of regenerative medicine.

Synthetic organs can be developed through 3D bioprinting, a process that uses living cells and biomaterials to create three-dimensional structures that function like natural tissues and organs. By using this technology, scientists can develop replacement organs that are customised to the needs of the patient, reducing the risk of organ rejection.

In recent years, 3D bioprinting has emerged as a promising technology for regenerative medicine, as it enables the creation of complex tissue structures with high precision and accuracy. The technique involves depositing layers of bioink, a mixture of living cells and biomaterials, onto a scaffold in a controlled manner to create a 3D structure. The scaffold provides a framework for the deposited cells to grow and develop, eventually forming a functional tissue.

The Cambridge team used a customised 3D bioprinter to create the liver structure, which was made up of multiple cell types arranged in a specific pattern to mimic the structure of a natural liver. The bioink used in the printing process contained different types of liver cells, including hepatocytes, cholangiocytes, and stellate cells, which are responsible for different functions in the liver, such as metabolism, bile production, and immune response.

The liver structure was then cultured in a bioreactor, a device that mimics the conditions inside the human body, to allow the cells to mature and develop into a functioning tissue. Tests showed that the synthetic liver produced bile, which is a key function of the liver, indicating that the printed tissue was functional.

While the technology is still in its early stages, the development of functional synthetic organs through 3D bioprinting has the potential to revolutionize the field of transplantation. Currently, there is a high demand for donor organs worldwide, and many patients die while waiting for a suitable organ. Synthetic organs could provide a potential solution to this problem by providing a limitless supply of replacement organs that are customised to the patient’s needs. Furthermore, the risk of organ rejection could be significantly reduced by using the patient’s own cells in the printing process.

Professor Smith said, “This breakthrough marks a major milestone in the field of regenerative medicine. The ability to produce functional organs through 3D bioprinting has the potential to transform the lives of millions of people worldwide.” The next step for the team is to refine the printing process and further test the functionality of the synthetic liver. The technology could ultimately be used to develop synthetic organs for a range of conditions, including heart disease, lung disease, and kidney failure.

References

“3D Bioprinting of Functional Human Liver Tissue for Transplantation and Drug Testing.” Advanced Materials, June 6, 2023.
“3D Bioprinting Technology and Its Application in Regenerative Medicine.” Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology, 2019.
“Manufacturing Human Organs: The Emergence of 3D Bioprinting.” IEEE Pulse, 2018.