Scientists in Israel unveiled a 3D print of a heart with human tissue and vessels which is being hailed as a first and a “major medical breakthrough”.
About:
This 3D printed heart is about the size of a cherry. It was achieved using human tissue that includes vessels, collagen, and biological molecules.
Working: To print the heart, the scientists created a "personalized hydrogel" to form "bioinks". The hydrogel originated from fatty tissues extracted from human test subjects.
Significance: This is the first time anyone has successfully engineered and printed an entire heart replete with cells, blood vessels, ventricles and chambers. People have managed to 3D-print the structure of a heart in the past, but not with cells or with blood vessels.
Application: This medical breakthrough advances the possibilities for transplants.
Way ahead: But many challenges remain before fully working 3D printed hearts will be available for transplant into patients in maybe next 10 years. Researchers must now teach the printed hearts “to behave” like real ones. Then they plan to transplant them into animal models.
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