In science fiction movies there are typically a lot of machines and gadgets that, while they may be super cool, are simply implausible. From teleportation to growing monsters in a lab, we have all accepted that most of this futuristic technology we see in the media is never going to become a reality.
One new machine, however, may blur the line between science and science fiction. In the past couple of years, Advanced Solutions Inc. has constructed a tool called the BioAssemblyBot. This machine has the ability to 3D print human tissue cells using cells derived from stem cells known as "bio ink". The BioAssemblyBot uses Tissue Structure Information Modeling (TSIM) software to tell the machine what to print. The BioAssemblyBot then uses a robotic arm and laser beam to dispense cells that eventually create a tissue structure. The BioAssemblyBot can print various types of tissue structures, but the cells only live for a short period of time due to the fact that there are no blood vessels to sustain them. Advanced Solutions is working on using the TSIM software to create micro-vessel structures within the tissue cells that would allow the cells to live for a longer period of time.
This is a remarkable breakthrough for science, many different fields of research, and the medical field. Because the technology is relatively new, this machine is currently being used to reconstruct cells mainly for research purposes. The future of the BioAssemblyBot is to create tissue structures that contain the necessary blood vessels and eventually transplant them into human beings. And although we are far from printing whole organs, the research taking place at Advanced Solution Inc. with the BioAssemblyBot is on its way to achieving what was once simply thought of as science fiction.
Check out these articles for more information on the BioAssemblyBot:
http://www.bizjournals.com/louisville/news/2015/06/26/this-louisville-made-device-can-print-human-tissue.html
http://www.3dprinterworld.com/article/building-human-replacement-parts-bioassemblybot
This is awesome! I read an article from 2014 that says researchers at Harvard had actually figured out how to incorporate blood vessels into a 3D printed tissue by laying down an ink that is gelatinous at room temperature, but liquifies as it cools. This liquid can then be sucked out, leaving hollow tubes throughout the printed tissue. At the time of the article, the team wasn't able to produce vessels as small as capillaries, though. But I wonder if the problem now is a lack of blood supply?
ReplyDeleteHere is the article:
http://www.technologyreview.com/news/525161/artificial-organs-may-finally-get-a-blood-supply/
I took a 3D printing course over the summer and it seem that there is really no limitation to this ever growing field. We talk a lot about using a 3D printer to print weapons and gun, and it was fairly common. If they do produce a successful whole organ 3D printer, would ethical regulation laws be enforce since company are already commercializing 3D bioprinting technology.
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