As the science and technology is moving forward, the medical science with the help of technology is making the life easier and comfortable. Now there is foundation stone like has been laid down, as successfully scientists print first 3D heart. Moreover, it has working cells, blood vessels, ventricles and chambers. In a major medical breakthrough, Tel Aviv University researchers have “printed” the world’s first 3D vascularised engineered heart using a patient’s own cells and biological materials.
The process of creating the heart started with a biopsy of fatty tissue taken from patients. The cellular material from the tissues was used as the “ink” for the print job.
Scientists Print First 3D Heart
The medical science and doctors says that this accomplishment could pave the way for custom made-to-order replacement organs. On the other hand, heart disease is the leading cause of death among both men and women in the United States. And heart transplantation is currently the only treatment available to patients with end-stage heart failure and expensive one as well.
According to the scientist, the experiment started by taking a fat sample from a volunteer. After that fat separated into its cellular and non-cellular materials. The cells were then programmed to become pluripotent stem cells, which are capable of differentiating into any type of body cell. In the meantime, the extracellular matrix (the non-cellular material, which consists largely of collagen and glycoproteins) was made into a hydrogel.
Next, the stem cells were mixed into batches of the gel, after which they were prompted to differentiate into either cardiac or endothelial cells, the latter being cells that line the interior surface of blood vessels. This resulted in two types of “bio-ink” that were then extruded from the nozzle of a 3D bioprinter and into an alginate/xanthan gum supporting medium.
Last but not least. Medicale experts say that, because such organs would be made from the patient’s own biological materials, rejection by the immune system shouldn’t be a problem. Furthermore, and very importantly, patients wouldn’t need to wait for donor hearts to become available.
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