Israeli scientists produce the world's first 3D-printed heart
- 5 years ago
TEL AVIV, ISRAEL — Researchers at Tel Aviv University have produced a heart using 3D printing technology and human tissue, according to a study published in the journal Advanced Science.
The scientists first took a fat sample from a participant and then separated it into cellular and non-cellular materials.
The researchers then took the cellular material and turned them into stem cells. This would eventually become heart cells. They also took the non-cellular material and converted it into a hydrogel.
The cells and the hydrogel were used to create heart patches complete with blood vessels and heart chambers, according to CNN.
The researchers then used a 3D bioprinter to build the 3D heart layer by layer.
In a news release by Tel Aviv University, Professor Tal Dvir, who was involved with the study, said that the 3D heart is small and is only the size of a rabbit's heart.
The 3D heart is able to contract however, it currently does not have the ability to pump, according to the study.
The scientists first took a fat sample from a participant and then separated it into cellular and non-cellular materials.
The researchers then took the cellular material and turned them into stem cells. This would eventually become heart cells. They also took the non-cellular material and converted it into a hydrogel.
The cells and the hydrogel were used to create heart patches complete with blood vessels and heart chambers, according to CNN.
The researchers then used a 3D bioprinter to build the 3D heart layer by layer.
In a news release by Tel Aviv University, Professor Tal Dvir, who was involved with the study, said that the 3D heart is small and is only the size of a rabbit's heart.
The 3D heart is able to contract however, it currently does not have the ability to pump, according to the study.