In North Carolina, a series of revolutionary experiments has recently been conducted that could potentially change the approach to the treatment of organ damage. Researchers from the University of Duke and Harvard Medical School have collaborated to develop biocompatible ink that hardens into various 3D forms and structures due to the absorption of ultrasound waves [source].
This ink reacts to sound waves rather than light, making it suitable for use in deep tissues for a variety of biomedical purposes, including healing bones and restoring heart valves. The ink can be used without the need for open operations. Yu Shrik Zhang and Junji Yao have named their new method the “deeply penetrating acoustic volumetric seal” or DVAP. Yao explained that the DVAP technology is based on a sonothermal effect, which occurs as sound waves are absorbed and increase the temperature of the inks.
The advantage of using ultrasonic waves is that they can penetrate more than 100 times deeper than light while remaining limited in space. This allows for high spatial accuracy when reaching tissues, bones, and organs, which cannot be achieved with light printing methods. The researchers state that the technology is based on ink-processed hydrogels, microparticles, and molecules, collectively known as “Sono-In-IC,” which have been specifically developed to react to ultrasound waves.
Once the ink is introduced into the target area, a specialized ultrasonic printer is used to form complex structures, such as bone-like frames or hydrogel bubbles for various organs. The resulting structures integrate safely with the surrounding tissues and act as a biocompatible elastic bandage [source].
The researchers have successfully conducted several tests using this technology. They have sealed part of a goat heart with the ink, reconstructed bone tissue on a chicken model, and delivered anti-cancer drugs directly to the liver [source].
This groundbreaking method opens new possibilities in the field of 3D printing and medical technologies, providing opportunities for less invasive surgical and therapeutic procedures. Although the full clinical application of this technology is still in the distant future, the successful tests have demonstrated its wide potential and have laid the foundation for further research.