Vascular network bio-printing brings 3D-printed organs one step closer
This article by Stu Roberts for Gizmag may be of interest to subscribers. Here is a section:
According to the University of Sydney study, the technique demonstrated better cell survival, differentiation and proliferation compared to cells that received no nutrient supply. In addition, Bertassoni says that it provides the ability to create large, life-supporting three-dimensional, micro-vascular channels quickly and with the precision required for application to different individuals.
"While recreating little parts of tissues in the lab is something that we have already been able to do, the possibility of printing three-dimensional tissues with functional blood capillaries in the blink of an eye is a game changer," he says.
Bertassoni explains that the ultimate aim of the research is for patients to be able to walk into a hospital and have a full organ printed with all the cells, proteins and blood vessels in the right place.
"We are still far away from that, but our research is addressing exactly that," he says. "Our finding is an important new step towards achieving these goals. At the moment, we are pretty much printing 'prototypes' that, as we improve, will eventually be used to change the way we treat patients worldwide."
3-D printing of living tissue that is fit to be transplanted into a human host would represent a game changer for the healthcare sector not least because it represents a technology that would become progressively cheaper overtime. It would also represent a bridge before genetics has developed to such a stage that our internal chemistry can be manipulated without the need for surgery except in emergency cases.
I reviewed 3-D printing companies yesterday but today searched for companies under the bioprinting parameter and found one result. San Diego remains a global centre of biotech innovation and Organovo is another example with its headquarters there. The share has a market cap of approximately $680 million and has yet to post positive earnings. It has exhibited a broad upward bias since its IPO and most recently found support in the region of $5. A sustained move below that level would be required to question current scope for continued higher to lateral ranging.