'Printer' Creates Organs for Transplant

Use of new technique could eventually end waiting lists for organs
By John Johnson,  Newser Staff
Suggested by Disillusioned
Posted Jun 4, 2010 10:51 AM CDT
'Printer' Creates Organs for Transplant
A file photo of surgeons.   (Photo: Business Wire)

The principles of 3D printing are being applied to medicine, raising the possibility that doctors might someday be able to produce human organs for transplant and end the use of waiting lists. California biotech company Organovo already has a prototype of the so-called "bioprinter," which uses two printer heads to place cells ("bioink") onto a water-based gel ("biopaper"). For more details on the process, see the Telegraph and, especially, the Engineer.

“Ultimately the idea would be for surgeons to have tissue on demand for various uses," says Organovo's chief executive. (More organ transplants stories.)

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