Now let's take a look at a ground breaking technology which
could potentially save thousands of lives. Introducing 3D printed blood vessels
made out of living cells. A group of Chinese scientists blends technology and
biology, and makes a milestone in medical research.
3D printing technology is no stranger to the world.
But this time, Chinese medical researchers brings the concept to
a whole new level by creating blood vessels.
And these are no prosthetic vessels - they are organic.
The world's first 3D bio-printer was invented last year.
Using bio-ink made of living stem cells from a Rhesus monkey,
researchers are able to print layers of new cells to fuse with old ones.
"In five days, a new layer of endodermis will be formed,
meanwhile, the smooth muscle cells will grow as well. And within 28 days, all
these cells will go through tissue differentiation. That means the tissues we
implanted will have mingled with the original ones and grown into a regular
vessel. This is unprecedented," said Kang Yujian chief scientist of
Sichuan Revotek.
Experiments were conducted on 30 Rhesus monkeys.
After months of observation, scientists discovered the 3D
printed vessels have completely blended in.
And all of the subjects are in good condition.
"Printing a 3D blood vessel is quite remarkable, but what's
even more is to print a vessel that contains all sorts of bio-active
substances. If we can apply this technology to blood vessels, then we can also
use it on livers, kidneys and other organs. That's how groundbreaking this
technology is," said Dai Kerong, academician of Chinese Academy of
Engineering.
The technology is still in its early stages. But in the future,
one can imagine this might be a life saver for those who are suffering from
organ failure.
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