First 3D Printed Skin Stem Cells

Feb-07-13 Researchers have developed a way to use a 3D printer to print human skin cells, which has previously been prohibitively difficult due to the delicacy of skin cells.

The printer, created by team of from Heriot-Watt University in Scotland and led by Will Shu, features specialized, adjustable valves. Because the rate at which the cells are released can be controlled, this allowed the team to print the stem cells as tiny spheres without damaging their fragile structures.

This is the first time such cells have been 3D printed, and the team hopes the advanced technique will help in the development of new and more effective drugs by providing a way to make more accurate human tissue models for testing. Ultimately, the goal is to create 3D organs that can be used as medical implants made from the patient’s own cells.

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[DISCOVERY.COM]
[HERIOT-WATT]

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