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Posted by: Beth Snyder on: 05/10/2015 11:28 PM
It's not exactly a new idea, as scientists have been trying to print replacement body parts since before 3D printing became so mainstream. But what has mostly been successful at this time is synthetic parts such as joints. BioBots thinks they have a workable way to print viable living body parts and tissues using a combination of living cells and a specially engineered ink, all while using a small, relatively inexpensive machine rather than the giant, hideously expensive ones currently employed.
The ink is what makes the difference between what BioBots is doing and what other companies are working on. Their ink uses “photoinitiator powder” which solidifies when hit with a specific wavelength of blue light, and which allows them to create structures without the standard methods of UV light or pressure. This in turn allows their printed structures to use living cells, since they won't be harmed in the printing process.
What you see here is a 3D printed ear. It's rudimentary right now, but it can theoretically be attached to a human's head and grow into a healthy, living ear to replace one that's been removed. And since it's done with 3D printing, the cost is thousands if not hundreds of thousands of dollars cheaper, potentially making it affordable for everyone regardless of income level or insurance coverage.
There is a long way to go in this process (BioBots is currently working with medical researchers to perfect their process), but several prototypes have already been produced. I would imagine there will be a great deal of red tape and regulations to work through before 3D printed body parts become available to all, but it is going to happen at some point. And I think that's a good thing... even though it does creep me out a little.
The ink is what makes the difference between what BioBots is doing and what other companies are working on. Their ink uses “photoinitiator powder” which solidifies when hit with a specific wavelength of blue light, and which allows them to create structures without the standard methods of UV light or pressure. This in turn allows their printed structures to use living cells, since they won't be harmed in the printing process.
What you see here is a 3D printed ear. It's rudimentary right now, but it can theoretically be attached to a human's head and grow into a healthy, living ear to replace one that's been removed. And since it's done with 3D printing, the cost is thousands if not hundreds of thousands of dollars cheaper, potentially making it affordable for everyone regardless of income level or insurance coverage.
There is a long way to go in this process (BioBots is currently working with medical researchers to perfect their process), but several prototypes have already been produced. I would imagine there will be a great deal of red tape and regulations to work through before 3D printed body parts become available to all, but it is going to happen at some point. And I think that's a good thing... even though it does creep me out a little.
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