Printing Cartilage

Dec-02-12 A new hybrid printer has simplified the method of creating cartilage, opening the door to implanting 3D printed cartilage into specific injury sites.

Developed by researchers at Wake Forest Institute, the printer is a combination of a traditional ink jet printer and an electrospinning machine. The combination of these two systems allowed the team to create a structure with both synthetic and natural materials, promoting cell growth while also proving structural integrity. The hybrid system has solved the problems normally associated with printing load-bearing tissue, which have usually been either too weak or not able to promote cell growth.

Cartilage Image: Harry Gouvas

More Info about this Invention:

[INHABITAT.COM]
[INSTITUTE OF PHYSICS]

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