Scientists use 3D printer to make a minif liver

In virtually every country around the world, the organ transplantation queue is long and “slow” at a very slow pace due to the lack of patient-compatible donors and many other reasons. One solution to this would be to use 3D printers to make extra organs - and the subject has been so debated that it has even become a joke.

However, as with all sorts of new features, there was a bit of fear, as there is no guarantee that 3D printers will actually produce a working organ. With this in mind, a team of scientists from the Organovo company in San Diego began conducting serious research.

As a result, they were able to produce small livers that are only half a millimeter deep and four inches long - that is, they consist only of a few layers of cells. Despite the small proportions, the "product" can perform almost all the functions of a natural liver, except for the gallbladder.

A true scientific breakthrough

Tests carried out by scientists cover only a few days of the functioning of small artificial livers - this is because they “live” for a short time as they are made with few layers of cells. However, great results could already be observed.

Organs made by a 3D printer are capable of producing proteins, carrying hormones, cholesterol and enzymes throughout the body, allowing you to consume alcohol, for example. As a result, the liver functions very closely to the real organ, representing a remarkable advance in this field of science.

Now scientists want to start producing life-size livers and other types of organs so that they can actually be used in human organisms. However, there are still several challenges to be overcome, such as large-scale vein manufacturing, for example.

Via TecMundo