Materials Science & Nanotechnology

Techniques to merge cells, biomaterials, growth factors to fabricate bio-medical organs that maximally imitate natural tissue characteristics. Bioprinting covers a broad range of biomaterials.

Currently, bioprinting is used to print tissues and organs to assist research drugs and pills. However, rising innovations span from bioprinting of cells or extracellular matrix deposited into a 3D gel layer by layer to supply the required tissue or organ. In addition, 3D bioprinting has begun to include the printing of scaffolds. These scaffolds is used to regenerate joints and ligaments.

There are many applications for 3D bioprinting in medical field. An child patient with a rare respiratory disorder referred to as Tracheobronchomalacia (TBM) was given a cartilaginous tube splint that was created with 3D printing. In addition, the Defense Threat Reduction Agency aims to print mini organs like hearts, livers, and lungs because eliminate the need for testing in animals.