Engineers from the University of Melbourne created a high-speed Three-dimensional bioprinter, utilizing acoustic waves to form living tissues. This groundbreaking development introduces a new approach to the bioprinting process.
Traditionally, bioprinting has been slow and delicate, with a high risk of cell damage during layer application and limited complexity in the structures created. However, the new technology has successfully addressed these challenges.
David Collins, the head of the Collins Biomicrosystems Laboratory, highlights the key advantage of this innovation – the precise positioning of cells within the tissues. Incorrect cellular arrangement has been a major limitation in existing bioprinters, affecting the accuracy of tissue replication.
Professor Collins uses a car analogy to explain the importance of proper cellular organization, comparing it to mechanical components in a vehicle needing correct alignment for optimal performance. Unlike previous bioprinters that relied on natural cell alignment, this new device uses acoustic waves to manipulate cells and create intricate three-dimensional structures.
The high-speed bioprinter works 350 times faster than its counterparts by forming cellular structures in seconds using vibrating bubbles to manipulate cells. This eliminates the need for traditional layer printing and ensures proper cell differentiation and tissue maturation.
Furthermore, the cells have better survival rates due to the short printing time and the procedure’s simplicity. The created structures maintain integrity and sterility, eliminating the risk of damage during sample movement.
Kallum Vidler, the lead author of the study and a graduate student, notes that while biologists have recognized the potential of bioprinting, its low efficiency has hindered its widespread application.
The precise replication of human tissues opens up new avenues in disease research and treatment development. The technology’s significance in oncology lies in accelerating anti-cancer drug research through recreating specific organs and tissues. Additionally, it paves the way for personalized medicine, where treatment can be tailored based on each patient’s genetic makeup.