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Although it is much smaller than a human heart (just 2.5 cm, it is about the size of a rabbit), the proof of concept still contains a fully vascularized structure with its own cells , ventricles and atria.
The cells are able to contract, but one must still learn to work together to pump blood efficiently before testing them as transplantation material on animal models, according to Tal Dvir, director of research at the Faculty of Science at the University of California. University of Tel Aviv. Cell Biology and Molecular Biotechnology and Sagol Center for Regenerative Biotechnology.
"In the past, people had managed to 3D print the structure of a heart, but not with cells or with blood vessels," Dvir said in a statement. "Our results demonstrate the potential of our approach to engineering the personalized replacement of tissues and organs in the future."
The construction of a new heart began with a biopsy of the patient's adipose tissue, which was then separated into cellular and acellular material. The cells were reprogrammed into pluripotent stem cells, while the extracellular matrix of collagen, sugars, and proteins was transformed into a custom hydrogel.
This hydrogel is the basis of 3D bioink, which is then mixed with differentiated stem cells into cardiac and endothelial cells. By alternating the two different inks, the researchers were able to build plaques of cardiac tissue with blood vessels compatible with the patient's immune system.
RELATED: Bioink-based stem cells could be used to 3D print living tissue
"The biocompatibility of engineering materials is crucial to eliminate the risk of rejection of implants, which compromises the success of such treatments," said Dvir.
To ensure that the shape of the heart corresponds to the patient's anatomy, CT scans were used to collect a basic plane of the organ, including the orientation of the main blood vessels of the left ventricle. The geometry of the ships was then developed using computer-aided design software.
However, CT scans do not visualize the smallest blood vessels that crisscross the heart tissue: to ensure that the entire patch receives enough oxygen, mathematical models have been used to create a more complete vascular system, calculated on the basis of the laws of oxygen. consumption and equations for optimal distribution.
"Here, we can report a simple approach to thick, vascularized and perfusable cardiac tissue, printed in 3D, that perfectly matches the immunological, cellular, biochemical and anatomical properties of the patient," he added. The full study was published in Advanced Science.
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