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the possibility of creating new hearts for transplants became more likely after researchers unveiled a 3D printed heart using human cells. A team from Tel Aviv University took only three hours to print the organ, which includes all the blood vessels, ventricles and chambers.
The researchers began by taking a small sample of adipose tissue from a patient. this tissue was then separated into its constituent cells and the structure on which the cells rest, called the extracellular matrix.
The scientists then modified the various components, reprogramming the cells to transform them into cardiac muscle cells, cardiomyocytes and blood vessel generating cells. the matrix was transformed into a custom hydrogel that served as the printing ink. the cells and the hydrogel were first used to create patient-specific heart patches with blood vessels and, from there, an entire heart.
the cells served as "bio-links" that were loaded into a printer programmed to print a heart, based on tomodensitograms taken from the patient and a representation of the heart by an artist. after the organ was printed, the researchers incubated it and fed it with oxygen and nutrients. after a few days, the cells began to beat spontaneously.
"This is the first time anyone has designed and successfully printed an entire heart filled with cells, blood vessels, ventricles and chambers, & # 39; Professor Tal dvir of the School of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology at Tel Aviv University said in a statement.
Previously, scientists could print only simple tissue without blood vessels. If the 3D printed heart is perhaps just the size of a rabbit, this technical validation experiment could eventually lead to the creation of custom organs or tissues that can be used in the human body.
their findings were published April 15 in a study on advanced sciences.
project information
research organization: University of Tel Aviv
Location: Israel
Kieron Marchese I designboom
April 19, 2019
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