A new 3D printing technique allows researchers to replicate biological structures, which could be used for tissue regeneration and replica organs.
Imperial College London researchers have developed a new method for creating 3D structures using cryogenics (freezing) and 3D printing techniques.
This builds on previous research, but is the first to create structures that are soft enough to mimic the mechanical properties of organs such as the brain and lungs. Their technique is published in the journal Scientific Reports.
Being able to match the structure and softness of body tissues means that these structures could be used in medical procedures to form scaffolds that can act as a template for tissue regeneration, where damaged tissues are encouraged to regrow.
Regenerating damaged tissue by 'seeding' porous scaffolds with cells and encouraging them to grow allows the body to heal without the issues that normally affect tissue-replacing transplant procedures, such as rejection by the body.
And that is hugely significant. To read more, click here.