what is it?
Sure, 3D Printers already exist. You can print out jewellery, shoes, toys and small gadgets. But now scientists and researchers are in the process of developing a 3D Printer that could save and change lives by printing out functional human organs. Still in its early stages of development, 3D Organ Printing is a major breakthrough technology that could vastly improve the lives of disease sufferers globally. By utilising a 3D Organ Printer, human tissue cells and fibres (which form the basis of an organ) are "printed" and assembled to generate a functioning organ.
how does it work?
Although there are huge differences between printing an organ and printing a plastic toy, the basic processes are similar. Both versions of the 3D Printer have cartridges and nozzles which repeatedly squirt ink out, layer by layer on a platform to form the object. To print organs, biological ink would be used.
However before an organ is able to be printed there are a couple of tasks which needs to be done. Scientists will need to take a CT (or MRI) scan on the patient, to identify the composition structure of cells, tissue and blood for that individual. A blueprint needs to be created through separate computer software after the results of the CT scan are entered into the computer . The blueprint will serve as a guide as to how cells are positioned within each layer, as individual results vary from person to person.
Unlike normal 3D Printers, where PVC plastic or metal is used to hold together each layer of printing, Organ Printers would use human cells or stem-cells along with binding agents to hold the end-product together.
Once the organ is printed, it will be placed in an 'incubator' to allow the cells to fuse and combine, and to begin working together- similar to how a real organ would!
However before an organ is able to be printed there are a couple of tasks which needs to be done. Scientists will need to take a CT (or MRI) scan on the patient, to identify the composition structure of cells, tissue and blood for that individual. A blueprint needs to be created through separate computer software after the results of the CT scan are entered into the computer . The blueprint will serve as a guide as to how cells are positioned within each layer, as individual results vary from person to person.
Unlike normal 3D Printers, where PVC plastic or metal is used to hold together each layer of printing, Organ Printers would use human cells or stem-cells along with binding agents to hold the end-product together.
Once the organ is printed, it will be placed in an 'incubator' to allow the cells to fuse and combine, and to begin working together- similar to how a real organ would!
how is technology incorporated into it?
Obviously, technology is at the forefront of this Medical Breakthrough. By slightly altering and improving what we already understand about printing technology, society has been able to generate a device that will improve the lives of many. The technological structure of a 3D Organ Printer is very unique- it is a machine that encompasses parts that are able to work with basic forms of life. The complex make-up of such a printer will utilise technology that is still being developed and perfected.
in what ways will it contribute to our society?
The result of 3D Organ Printers would be truly revolutionary. Machines capable of printing functional human organs would significantly improve the lives of sufferers of organ diseases. For example, there would be a much shorter waiting period for patients in need of an organ transplant. It could save lives of disease sufferers, and real printed organs could be used for drug or vaccine testing. 3D Organ Printing is certainly a major breakthrough for the global medical industry and there are evidently many advantages of being able to readily 'print' an organ.
Despite this, ethical concerns surrounding bioprinting are common. Printed organs are likely to be expensive and some people believe this factor could put those but the wealthy at a disadvantage. Obviously, the use of 3D printed organs or tissue in surgical procedures must be approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (for use in the United States), which will be a lengthy process. Also, fully functional 3D printed organs (for transplants) are not likely to be seen for years if not decades. However, what is likely to be seen in the near future is printed human tissue that could be used to repair minor organ damages.
Nevertheless, the majority of society would agree that 3D Organ Printing is definitely a unique breakthrough in the field of medicine, capable of transforming and saving lives of disease sufferers.
Despite this, ethical concerns surrounding bioprinting are common. Printed organs are likely to be expensive and some people believe this factor could put those but the wealthy at a disadvantage. Obviously, the use of 3D printed organs or tissue in surgical procedures must be approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (for use in the United States), which will be a lengthy process. Also, fully functional 3D printed organs (for transplants) are not likely to be seen for years if not decades. However, what is likely to be seen in the near future is printed human tissue that could be used to repair minor organ damages.
Nevertheless, the majority of society would agree that 3D Organ Printing is definitely a unique breakthrough in the field of medicine, capable of transforming and saving lives of disease sufferers.