3D Bioprinting to Directly Repair Human Body Organs

Every year, millions of people around the world suffer tissue damage due to disease, trauma or injury. During surgical procedures, medical professionals primarily use stitches to promote tissue healing. However, a failure during surgery can lead to complications and may cause infections. To combat this problem, researchers at the University of New South Wales in Australia have developed a miniature, flexible robotic arm to directly repair damaged human body tissue or organs using 3D bioprinting.

The medical sector increasingly uses 3D printing for research and surgery. Indeed, many 3D bioprinting projects have been launched to reproduce cellular structures, organs of the human body or to support research on serious diseases. It can also be used in other fields, such as cosmetics. Take for example beauty company Chanel, which created 3D bioprinted skin to investigate skin conditions in order to improve its product line.

The F3DB 3D bioprinter has several features (photo credits: University of New South Wales)

The F3DB, a Miniature 3D Bioprinter

Led by Dr. Thanh Nho Do and Dr. Mai Thanh Thai, the device, known as the F3DB, is a tiny, flexible 3D bioprinter. They designed the F3DB to be inserted into the body via small incisions or natural openings; bio-materials can then be applied to the surface of internal organs and tissues. The solution consists of a three-axis rotating print head attached to the end of a remotely controllable robotic arm. The nozzle can be programmed to print pre-designed shapes, but it can also be manually manipulated for more complex operations.