Without using a traditional scalpel, this 3D printer can repair body tissue

This 3D printer can repair body tissue

Researchers at the University of New South Wales, Sydney, have developed a 3D bioprinter capable of coating organic matter directly on organs or body tissues with minimal contact. helps avoid major surgery or organ removal.

The printer, called the F3DB, has a flexible robotic arm that can attach biomaterials containing living cells to damaged organs or tissue. The printer's snake-like form enters the body through the mouth or anus, and the surgeon transfers it to the target area with a flick of the hand.

This printer is also equipped with a nozzle that can spray water on the target area and the print nozzle can function as an electric scalpel. The team hopes that one day the device will become a complete tool for performing operations with minimal surgical manipulation or direct contact. The F3DB robotic arm uses three actuators under a soft cloth using a hydraulic system consisting of "a DC motor syringe that injects water into the actuator," as quoted from Gizmochina.

Each flexible printer arm and head can move through all three degrees of freedom (DOF), just like a desktop 3D printer. Moreover, the tool is equipped with a flexible mini camera so that the operator can observe the work in real time.

The team conducted the first tests on the device using non-biological materials such as chocolate and liquid silicone. They then tested it on pig kidneys before moving on to the biomaterial that was printed on a glass surface in an artificial colon. According to Do Thanh Nho, co-leader and senior lecturer at UNSW's Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, "We saw cells grow daily and quadruple on day seven, the last day of the experiment. The results show that F3DB has strong potential to develop as a comprehensive endoscopic tool for submucosal endoscopy procedure."

Despite the potential to revolutionize medicine, the team warns that the technology may still be five to seven years away from human trials. However, F3DB has the potential to significantly improve the accuracy and efficiency of medical procedures.