3D-Printed Implant Could Help Treat Spinal Injuries

Aug-11-18 A 3D-printed implant seeded in stem cells could help reduce some forms of paralysis.

A team from the University of Minnesota developed the implant by 3D-printing a silicon guide with alternating layers of scaffolding and neuronal stem cells. Once in position at the site of the injury, the device would serve as a bridge between the healthy nerve cells while also nurturing the growth of new cells.

According to study co-author Michael McAlpine, “This is the first time anyone has been able to directly 3D print neuronal stem cells derived from adult human cells on a 3D-printed guide and have the cells differentiate into active nerve cells in the lab.”

More Info about this Invention:

[3DPRINTINGINDUSTRY.COM]
[TWIN-CITIES.UMN.EDU]

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