BIOPRINTING
DEVELOPING ORGANS ON DEMAND
What Is Bioprinting?
Similar to 3D printing, bioprinting is the practice of creating objects by stacking layers upon layers of material- the difference between the two being that bioprinting uses living cells rather than the typical plastic material used in 3D printing. As the layers build up, an object such as a blood vessel or organ is formed. These objects, as hoped by researchers, would be functional and have the ability to adapt to new conditions, such as the growing of a body. These objects would then be available for use in many medical procedures. In the case of organs, bioprinted organs would act as a secondary source for organs in transplants.
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As seen in Figure 1.1, the demand for organs is extremely high. In fact, a new person is added to the National Transplant Waiting List of over 120,000 people nearly every 10 minutes. Within these 120,000 people, 22 will die each day while awaiting an organ because they could not receive one in time. With bioprinting, the demand for organs could be met at a greater rate and more patients would be able to live longer as well as better lives.
Since study within the topic of bioprinting did not begin until fairly recently, researchers have not yet been able to successfully produce organs or other items to be used in medical procedures. It is wildly predicted that researchers will be successful in those means within the next 20 years.
Figure 1.1 Transplant Waiting List - All Organs 1993-2013 (20 Years)
Similar to 3D printing, bioprinting is the practice of creating objects by stacking layers upon layers of material- the difference between the two being that bioprinting uses living cells rather than the typical plastic material used in 3D printing. As the layers build up, an object such as a blood vessel or organ is formed. These objects, as hoped by researchers, would be functional and have the ability to adapt to new conditions, such as the growing of a body. These objects would then be available for use in many medical procedures. In the case of organs, bioprinted organs would act as a secondary source for organs in transplants.
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As seen in Figure 1.1, the demand for organs is extremely high. In fact, a new person is added to the National Transplant Waiting List of over 120,000 people nearly every 10 minutes. Within these 120,000 people, 22 will die each day while awaiting an organ because they could not receive one in time. With bioprinting, the demand for organs could be met at a greater rate and more patients would be able to live longer as well as better lives.
Since study within the topic of bioprinting did not begin until fairly recently, researchers have not yet been able to successfully produce organs or other items to be used in medical procedures. It is wildly predicted that researchers will be successful in those means within the next 20 years.
Figure 1.1 Transplant Waiting List - All Organs 1993-2013 (20 Years)
How Does Bioprinting Work?
How Does Bioprinting Work?
There are a number of groups that are performing research in the topic of bioprinting, each using different methods to do so.
In 2002, Professor Makoto Nakamura had discovered that a droplet of ink from a typical inkjet printer was similar to a human cell in size. From this discovery, he developed a way to print out biotubing that was similar to a blood vessel.
Nakamura's technique was to build three-dimensional items through the use of a printer similar to an inkjet printer. The technique differed from standard printing in that it used cells rather than ink droplets.
Nakamura has met some success in his research. He has successfully built a tube made out of living cells, similar to a blood vessel. In addition, he has built a hydrogel tube measuring one-tenth of a millimeter, which is as narrow as human hair.
A company that goes by the name of Organovo has been doing similar work, with the help of a company called Invetech. Established by a research group led by Professor Gabor Forgacs, Organovo has already met some success in their study.
Using the cells of a chicken, Organovo has built blood vessels and cardiac tissue that can take on certain activities or tasks. In other words, they are functional. Their work involved the use of a prototype bioprinter that had 3 printing heads: one that dispensed cardiac cells, one that dispensed endothelial cells, the cells that are found inside the interior surface of blood and lymphatic vessels, and one that dispensed a collagen scaffold, also known as bio-paper.
In 2009, Organovo worked with Invetech to develop the NovoGen MMX, a commercial bioprinter. This printer worked with the requirement of a series of steps. To begin the process, a layer of biopaper made from collagen or gelatin in addition to other materials is laid down. The biopaper is then injected with the "Bioink spheroids", droplets of liquid containing thousands of cells. After doing so, layers of Bioink-containing biopaper are built up on top of one another. Over time, the Bioink spheroids merge together into one, and the biopaper dissolves. This leaves a final living body part or piece of tissue.
Since the creation of the NovoGen MMX, Organovo has met more success in their research. Towards the end of 2010, Organovo created bioprinted blood vessels from the cells of a human. In addition, Organovo has also had success with implanting bioprinted nerve grafts into rats. They hope to produce bioprinted tissues in human trials within the foreseeable future, and they ultimately hope to produce a kidney as their first synthetic human organ.
With the objective of producing organs that are available upon request, a research team known as EnvisionTEC has created the EnvisionTEC Bioplotter, a bioprinter similar to the Novogen MMX. Like the Novogen, Bioink spheroids and supportive material such as biopaper are used. However, the EnvisionTEC Bioplotter also has the ability to print using a wider range of biomaterials than the Novogen. The EnvisionTEC is able to use more biomaterials such as biodegradable polymers and ceramics to help shape and act as support for synthetic organs.
To expedite the process of wound healing, a team of researchers at the Wake Forrest School of Medicine has created a skin printer. The printer consists of a bioprint head that sprays skin cells, a coagulant, and collagen onto wounds. Based on the data collected so far, the wounds undergoing this treatment healed at a faster rate than traditional treatment methods by about three to four weeks.
Figure 1.2 Inkjet 3D biofabrication by "3D Bioprinter"
Why Does Bioprinting Matter?
10-year-old Peyton Andry was born with symbrachydactyly, an inborn abnormality that causes people to have short fingers or missing fingers. His condition, for the most part, does not prevent him from doing what he wants to do. There are, however, some exceptions to this. Peyton is unable to hold some round items so he will often request assistance to help him do so. In addition, Peyton's condition does limit him in that it causes him to stand out among classmates and all those surrounding him, which may make him the center of some judgment or bullying or restrict him from some opportunities.
On December 19th, 2015, Peyton met with Luke Dennison, a young boy who also had symbrachydactyly. Luke's parents had previously made it their mission to 3D-print a number of prosthetic hands with the help of e-NABLE, a mission which they succeeded at. Using the Dennisons' work, Peyton was able to have a prosthetic hand printed for him as well.
Now, with the help of his new hand, Peyton is able to do a number of more tasks and actions, such as holding a cup or giving a proper high five with his right hand. He is also seen more now for his personality and heart, not his differences.
Watch this video to learn more about Peyton's Story!
Since the topic of bioprinting is relatively new, there have not been many situations so far where bioprinting was applied to improve the quality of one's life. However, the story of Peyton was made possible by 3-D printing, a technology very similar to bioprinting.
Peyton's life was improved by 3-D printing, the creation of a three-dimensional object from non-living material such as plastic or metal. With bioprinting, it is hoped that results will be drastically greater, with more scenarios where someone's life was saved or with greater impacts.
Figure 1.3 3D Printed Hand Gives 10-yr-old Boy New Powers
Social & Ethical Issues
Some ethical and social issues have risen with the development of new bioprinting technology and the progression of research. These issues include costs, safety, and whether or not the technology is absolutely essential, especially in regard to bioprinting for human enhancement.
