Gelatin "ink" tissue can be 3 d printed
16/01/2014 10:40
3 d printing complete human organs are scientists has long been a goal. Recently, the German scientists a big step toward this goal, they developed a 3 d printing "ink" of human tissue.
Germany's fraunhofer interface, engineering and biotechnology research institute has issued a communique said they carried out on the gelatin after chemical treatment, making it suitable for printing "ink" of human tissue. A water soluble gelatin extracted from collagen protein, it is form the main component of human tissue.
Biological "ink" made of gelatin in the printing process can remain liquid, rather than a gel. After the ultraviolet irradiation, the creature "ink" molecules cross fusion, form a hydrogel. This kind of hydrogel polymers containing a large number of moisture, like the real human tissue. When the temperature rises to 37 degrees Celsius, it can remain stable in the aqueous environment.
By controlling the biological chemical treatment process of "ink", still can make gel with different strength and swelling, make them like a hard cartilage or soft tissue.
At present, the medical profession one of the biggest challenge is to generate a vascular network organization. Once you have their own system of blood vessels, the organization of the 3 d printing can be self-sufficient for nutrients. The researchers say that in this respect soon.