3D Printed Organs Soon Become Available

Bioprinted human liver tissue

In this year we will see new achievements in Printing of Human cell, As Organovo already plans to commercialize its 3D-printed liver tissue this year.
Similar to traditional Chinese woodblock printing done back in the 3rd century, a group of scientists from the Houston Methodist Research Institute have discovered a method of printing cells with very minimal damage to the cells used, this technology called Block-Cell-Printing (BloC-Printing) that leaves nearly 100 percent of the cells alive, instead of 50 to 80 percent previously.

cell printed on
regular grid pattern

BloC-Printing relies on a silicone mold to deposit cells. The mold is pitted with tiny holes. When cells are poured into the mold, much like ink being poured onto a stamp, they flow through until they find an empty slot to slip into. Then the mold is lifted away, leaving just the cells. The mold’s holes can be in a grid-shaped pattern, which creates a sheet of regularly-spaced cells. Or the holes can be adapted to form whichever shape researchers need.

Although printing organs is very difficult, Organov , a San Diego-based company was able to accomplish it by using living tissues as thick as almost five sheets of paper. The first 3d printed liver is expected to be released on 2014, according to the Washington Times. “We have achieved thicknesses of greater than 500 microns, and have maintained liver tissue in a fully functional state with native phenotypic behavior for at least 40 days,” said executive vice president of commercial operations of Organov, Mike Renard on a report published on Computer World.
 To test the technology, the researchers printed cancer cells and studied their growth. They also printed living brain cells in a regular grid. As it will prove immense support in advance research for diseases like Alzheimer, perkinsons and others.