Non-invasive 3D printing in living creature

This new research could pave the way for minimally invasive surgical techniques for organ repair and reconstruction that could remove the need for transplantation in children with complex conditions.

developed a photosensitive bio-gel that uses light treatment to "print" healthy new tissue directly into specific tissues and organs, and sustain blood supply that would allow it to thrive.

The light-sensitive bio-gel acted as a type of bio-ink, effectively "printing" 3-D structures that supported the creation of muscle fibers in the muscle of live mice and without the need for open surgery.

Researchers loaded a liquid gel with cells carefully selected to suit the type of tissue being printed. The bio-gel was then injected into the area of interest in the body with a simple syringe. Once in place, the team directed a near infrared light at the area from outside the body. Polymers inside the bio-gel bonded together under this wavelength of light, solidifying 3-D structures layer by layer and allowing the cells to reach the desired position. With support from the structures, the cells adapted and connected to their new surroundings to form new tissue.

 it did not create any waste material inside the body and has the potential to carry healthy donor cells. This could be life-changing in cases where a child's own cells aren't suitable or available to help repair or reconstruct damaged or missing tissue.

reference

Anna Urciuolo et al. Intravital three-dimensional bioprinting, Nature Biomedical Engineering (2020). DOI: 10.1038/s41551-020-0568-z