May 29, 2015 | By Simon
Among other revolutionary breakthroughs we’ve been seeing with additive manufacturing technologies as of late, the push for 3D bioprinting has been moving forward at an alarming pace.
Among other applications, researchers have been able to leverage the technology to create what is soon to be the first implanted thyroid gland that was made via 3D printing, and consumer product companies such as L'Oréal and Procter & Gamble have been showing an increased interest in the near-future of 3D printed skin tissues for testing out their products. Now, a new application for 3D bioprinting has been discovered that could bring hope for those suffering diabetes and have to receive treatments to manage their disease.
For sufferers of type 1 diabetes, a low level of glucose in the blood can bring a range of effects ranging from dizziness and sweating to even death. Known as hypoglycemia, these symptoms affect around one-third of those around the world who suffer from type 1 diabetes.
Among other ways that certain individuals with type 1 diabetes have managed their disease has been through an experimental procedure called pancreatic islet transplantation, a surgical process that involves implanting clusters of cells from the pancreas of a healthy donor into a patient. Among other side effects of undergoing the surgical process include the need for immunosuppressant drugs in order to stop the body from attacking the foreign cells that originated from another host.
However - thanks to further research into the procedure that involves the use of 3D bioprinting at Holland’s University of Twente - a new approach to this method of treatment includes the use of 3D printed scaffolding for allowing the newly-implanted cells to be delivered more optimally and allows for the body’s immune system to give them a chance to function properly.
According to publisher IOP, in order for the 3D printed scaffolding method to work, researchers created the scaffolding using a mix of alginate and gelatin before embedding the cells within it. Due to the natural porous properties of the scaffolding, this also allowed for an ideal exchange of glucose and insulin.
"If we are to improve the success of this treatment for type 1 diabetes, we need to create an implant in which islets are embedded, or encapsulated, from a material that allows for very efficient oxygen and nutrient supply, and quick exchange of glucose and insulin, while keeping the host cells out," said Dr. A A van Apeidoorn, a co-author of the study.
Ultimately, the results of the experiments proved that the 3D printed scaffolds aided in the delivery of the cells by acting as a wall against the human body’s own defense system without compromising the quality or life of the cells in the process.
"Our future research will look further into recreating an optimal islet microenvironment to provide the donor islets with the best transplantation start possible," added van Apeidoorn.
Posted in 3D Printing Applications
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Am I the only one sick of the drugs? Why don’t we focus on the natural methods instead, or natural ways to cure diabetes. I learned from Diabetes Free/7 steps (Diabetes Free review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_nJ3xlOWvk) that you can use a diabetic diet or alter your lifestyle to fight the disease. Why does no one ever talk about all natural diabetes treatment? Free ways to beat diabetes without Metformin/Insulin? The methods are out there- once you know they exist, you can find them easily enough.
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