Here at 3D Rapid Print, one of the fastest growing 3D Printing companies in the Thames Valley, we like to keep abreast of the latest innovations in 3D printing.
On February 28th 2023, researchers at the University of New South Wales in Australia unveiled a prototype flexible 3D bioprinter, which could be inserted into the body like an endoscope and 3D print living cells directly onto internal organs. Known as F3DB, it was able to traverse the confined spaces of an artificial colon, as well as 3D print different shapes in a variety of materials onto the surface of a pig’s kidney. The team’s research was published in the journal Advanced Science.
F3DB features a manoeuvrable swivel printing head attached to a long and flexible robotic arm, all of which can be controlled externally. Its printing nozzle can be programmed to print pre-determined shapes, or be operated manually where more complex printing is necessary. The nozzle can also be used as a type of electric scalpel to cut away cancerous lesions. In addition, water can be directed through the nozzle to clean any blood and/or excess tissue from the site.
To further demonstrate their technology, the team tested the viability of living biomaterial after it was printed via their system. Most of the cells were observed to be alive post-printing and continued to grow, with four times as many cells observed a week later. The next stage of the system’s development would be in vivo testing on living animals. In addition, the team plan to implement additional features, such as an integrated camera and real-time scanning system that would reconstruct the geometry of the moving tissue inside the body.
3D printing is an amazing tool. It can grow your small business or start a mini revolution in an industry. Explore what it can do for you when you contact us today.
Disclaimer: Featured image of “3-D Bioprinting” is a work of the National Institutes of Health, part of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, taken or made as part of an employee’s official duties. As a work of the U.S. federal government, the image is in the public domain.
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