3D Bioprinting of Tissues and Organs: Where Are We?

[barryqwalsh]

In order for additive manufacturing of biomaterials to work, the supply, applicator, and support structure must be constructed so that the biomaterial remains viable before, during, and after the construction of the tissue and/or organ. The biomaterial must also be able to thrive and grow in the environment it is intended for (after application). The high temperatures associated with traditional FDM, for example, could never work because the biomaterial would be destroyed. Further, something must hold the biomaterial together to shape it for its application, much like a support structure in traditional additive manufacturing.



3D Bioprinting of Tissues and Organs: Where Are We?

 

[anotherlife]

This is amazing. But don't bio organisms each have some cell structure, which need molecular programming to exist, such as DNA? How can 3D printing define molecular structures?