3D Printing the Human Heart
The US researchers disclosed they launched the first full-size human heart model with 3D printing technology. The model is created using a specially developed 3D printer with biomaterials to make a structure and tissues related to a real human heart.
The research team states that the model heart could be helpful in training medical professionals in operations similar to human heart function. It can also be utilized for fresh research on how to use 3D printing technology to create whole operating hearts to replace humans.
This study was headed by Professor Adam Feinberg of the engineering team at America’s Carnegie Mellon University. And its result was published in ACS Biomaterials Science and Engineering paper.
Earlier, the team created a 3D printer that can “bio print” collagen. Now, this latest project aims to use the same bioprinting technology to establish a full-size, realistic model of a human heart.
Adam Feinberg revealed his team created the model so doctors can properly examine it when preparing for heart operations. The released models allow the doctors to “manipulate” the heart to witness related reactions when operating with real tissue.
It's good to add that scientists had created human heart 3D printed models before, but they were designed of harder substances like rubber or plastic, and they weren't efficient to copy the soft tissue material discovered in the human heart.
The Carnegie Mellon team said the new 3D printing process wasn't also simple, given that soft materials like collagen, began as a liquid. When the substances are printed in the air, they'll immediately collapse in the process.
This made the researchers to bring their approach to 3D print soft materials. The approach or method utilizes a gelatin substance that will surround the structures in the printing, so they don't collapse.
The new model heart made by the team is designed with a material known as alginate, a natural, soft substance from seaweed. The team says alginate has related properties to tissues that make up the human heart.
In particular, the research team tested the 3D printed material using sutures that doctors utilize to close up wounds in operations. The researchers said the alginate stretched to support the sutures.
After perfecting the process, the research team creates extra changes to the 3D printer to design larger objects. They used a patient's MRI images to model and print a full-size human heart.
Feinberg’s research team experimented with pieces of tissue made to copy the individual heart elements' functions like valves that open and close plus realistic blood vessels.
Significantly, they successfully 3D printed a model of a heart artery that can be utilized to train doctors. And that the same methods can be utilized to design other realistic organ models like kidneys or livers.
This latest progress helps to provide the groundwork for creating a full-sized, functional human heart.
Reference
