January 27 According to the latest news on the website of Daily Science, scientists from the University of New South Wales in Australia have developed a ceramic-based “ink” that allows surgeons to print bones with living cells (used to repair damaged bone tissue) in 3D.
Relevant research has been published in the recent academic journal Advanced Functional Materials.
Using a special ink made of calcium phosphate, combined with a 3D printer, the researchers have developed a new technology called “All-round Ceramic Cell Suspension Bioprinting” (COBICS), which can print bone structures that will harden after a few minutes in water.
“The composition of this ink can achieve nanocrystallization in a water-based environment, using the solidification mechanism to transform inorganic ink into mechanically interlocking osteopatite nanocrystals,” said Dr. Iman Rouhani, from the University of New South Wales School of Chemistry.
It forms a chemical structure similar to bone structure, which can form bone-like tissue when ink binds to collagen substances containing living cells.
Ink preparation and its transformation in organisms are fast and non-toxic, and only in its biological environment, such as body fluids, which can provide surgeons with sufficient working hours.
Christopher Killian, an associate professor who developed this breakthrough technology with Dr. Rouhani, said: “The coolest thing about this technology is that we can squeeze ink directly into a cellular place, such as a hole in the patient’s bone, so that it can directly enter the bone containing cells, blood vessels and fats, and The osteolike structure that already contains living cells is printed in this area.”
“This is a unique technology.” “Although the idea of 3D printing of bone-like structures is not new, this is the first time that this material can be created at room temperature – with living cells and without irritating chemicals or radiation,” Dr. Rouhani said.
According to the report, turning living cells into part of 3D printing structures is a major improvement in 3D printing technology.
This technology is very suitable for clinical applications of bone defect in situ repair, such as trauma, cancer or large bone tissue defects.
It can also be used for disease modeling, drug screening, etc., which is very convenient.
One day to come, 3D printers may become permanent fixtures in operating rooms.
Next, the researchers will conduct in-vivo experiments on animal models to see whether living cells in bone-like structures will continue to grow after implanting bone tissue.
