Scientists were able to print cardiac macrofilaments that could develop into muscle-like filaments that could contract.
The development of this 3D printing technique is a tremendous leap forward for the health sector. Given that so far no one has been able to create a 3D heart whose functionality really matches the original heart.
As reported EngadgetSunday (12/6), scientists used a new method to mimic the complex alignment of contracting heart elements while producing tissue thick enough to be used in regenerative heart treatments.
This system is an improvement from the existing Sacrificial Writing in Functional Tissue (SWIFT) bioprinting technology.
Scientists managed to create a platform with 1,050 “wells” each having two microscopic pillars.
The scientists filled the “well” with human-induced multiple stem cells (young cells capable of developing into various shapes) as well as collagen and cell proteins used to form connective tissue. The combination forms a dense network parallel to the axis connecting the micropillars.
The team then removed the resulting organ blocks from the pillars, used them to make bioprinting ink and used a 3D printer to assist with alignment.
Keep in mind, this is only a small part of the heart replica. There’s still a lot to research before a fully functional 3D printed organic heart becomes available and can actually be used.
However, scientists believe that this finding is very useful in the future. 3D-printed filaments can be used to replace scars after a heart attack, or to treat milder disease models.
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It may even be possible to patch holes in newborns with congenital heart defects. The filament will grow into a part of the patient’s body. Simply put, a damaged heart may no longer be a permanent problem today.
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