Bioprinting Seeks to Bridge Gap between 3D Printing and Organ Transplant in the Medical Field.
- Matthew Zaino
- Oct 3, 2023
- 2 min read
Updated: Oct 22, 2023
By: Matt Z
10/3/2023
This is part 2 of a 3-part Series
Much like the intricate process of harvesting organs from donors, achieving functionality in bioprinted organs necessitates immediate action to preserve the viability of the printed tissues. Lewis underscores the importance of promptly transferring bioprinted organs to a bioreactor and initiating perfusion. Perfusion involves the introduction of fluid, commonly blood or a suitable substitute, to maintain the organ's vitality by circulating it through blood vessels or specialized channels.
Video Credit: Printing a Human Kidney by Anthony Atala Presented by TedEd.
The complexity of organs sometimes demands further maturation within a bioreactor or bioprinting chamber and establishing vital connections to maintain vitality. The journey to achieving a fully functional bioprinted organ has brought challenges akin to intricate plumbing issues, all of which need results to ensure the printed organ can mimic the functionality of a natural human organ within the body—a challenge that remains unsolved.
A fascinating natural process occurs after successfully implanting a bioprinted organ into a patient. Over time, the implanted organ undergoes a gradual degradation—a planned and controlled feature of its design.
But if there is successful implantation and all issues are resolved. One might wonder about the fate of the tissue as it degrades. The bioprinted tissues are designed to self-manage their degradation process. The "glues" used in the bioprinting dissolve naturally over time. As they dissolve, the cells within the organ sense the weakening of the structural support. In response, these remarkable cells harness their innate abilities to create their own "bridge" and "glue," mirroring the natural regenerative processes within the human body.
As bioprinting technology advances, the challenges of achieving optimal functionality in printed organs persist. However, the tireless efforts of experts like Lewis and Atala are pushing the boundaries of what's possible, offering hope for a future where bioprinted organs seamlessly integrate into the human body, providing life-saving solutions for countless patients.
Keywords: Holy Grail, Organ Donors, Bioreactor, Perfusion, Anthony Atala, TEDED. "Bioprinting, Organ Transplant, Medical Field, 3D Printing"
Do You Believe Bioprinting is the Future of Medicine?
Yes, Bioprinting May Revolutionize the Medical Field.
No, I still Feel Skeptical About the Implications.
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