Wound repair potential
The tiny flexible 3D bioprinter developed at UNSW Sydney was able to 3D print a variety of materials with different shapes on the surface of a pig’s kidney. [Photo courtesy of Dr Thanh Do]
The University of New South Wales-Sydney Medical Robotics Lab team tested their endoscope-like 3D bioprinting prototype on pig organs and said they expect medical professionals could use the technology to access hard-to-reach areas inside the body within a decade.
“Existing 3D bioprinting techniques require biomaterials to be made outside the body, and implanting that into a person would usually require large open-field open surgery, which increases infection risks,” said Thanh Nho Do, the Medical Robotics Lab’s director. “Our flexible 3D bioprinter means biomaterials can be directly delivered into the target tissue or organs with a minimally invasive approach.”
