Mar.27, 2014
3D printing is being used for creating small plastic parts, wedding cakes and titanium jawbone, but the most unusual and potentially one of the most beneficial uses has to be that of human cells.
Last year researchers from Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh created a cell printer that spits out living embryonic stem cells. This week, Chinese company Unique Technology announced that it has successfully developed a 3D bio-printer that is capable of printing a variety of cells simultaneously. Tests revealed that the cell survival rate was up to 92%.
In a latest test, researchers, led by Wang Hong, the CEO of Unique Technology, used natural collagen and cells extracted from rabbits to form a new biological tissue. Up to now the cells have been alive for 9 days through three generations.
This custom-built multi-head, multi-material 3D printer uses micro-voltage injection technology and has successfully solved problems of scaffold structures and microporous accuracy in cell printing. It uses sterile thermostat device to regulate the temperature to ensure the scaffold get cured and keep cells alive.
Wang Hong, the CEO of Unique Technology
Currently, this 3D bio-printer is able to print 70 micron diameter cells. Their next goal is to increase its printing accuracy so it is capable of printing 20 micron diameter cells which can be used in the medical field. This printing method could be used to make 3D human tissues for testing drugs before they are brought to the market.
Posted in 3D Printers
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It's Chinese so will probably fall apart after a few days.
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