In various models, researchers have verified the feasibility of this 3D printing system. They found that the printed "vascular structure" itself was hard enough not to be destroyed by blood flow. In addition, it can also withstand the simulation of inhalation and exhalation. In the test, the researchers were pleased to find that when red blood cells flow through the "blood vessels" printed by the system, they can effectively obtain oxygen from the breathing "lungs", which is the same as oxygen exchange near alveoli.
In the 3D printed liver tissue, the researchers implanted primary hepatocytes and implanted them into mice with chronic liver injury. Studies have shown that these hepatocytes can also survive in vivo, which shows that the generated blood vessels can effectively transport nutrients to these cells.
"Because of the existing bottlenecks, tissue engineering has made little progress in our generation," said Professor Kelly Stevens, another researcher in this study. "This work can help us better understand whether printed tissues will be functionally closer to healthy tissues if they can" breathe "like healthy tissues. This is an important question. The effectiveness of bioprinting tissue directly affects its success as a therapy. "
In the special introduction of Science magazine, this printed mini organ was directly called "Little Miracle". In order to facilitate scientists around the world to use this technology, the researchers decided to "open source" this research and share it for free. They hope that with the help of this technology, people can learn more about 3D printed organs, and eventually accelerate the listing of "artificial organs" to benefit a large number of patients who need organ transplantation.