Introduction to Organ Donation and 3D Printing
Every day, thousands of people suffering from various diseases benefit from the generosity of organ donors who provide the hearts, corneas, kidneys, or skin they need. However, due to compatibility issues and the high demand for organs, they are not always available when needed. Patients with donated organs must also undergo medication for the rest of their lives. In response to these challenges, science is exploring alternative options, particularly in the field of lab-engineered organs using stem cells.
The Emergence of 3D-Printed Organs
Lab-grown skin is becoming increasingly common, but 3D printing is opening the door to more ambitious possibilities. For instance, lungs are the largest and most complex human organs, with millions of alveoli and a bronchial network that, if spread out, would cover a whole tennis court. The 3D lung prototypes printed by the USA company United Therapeutics are a significant breakthrough in this area.
Creating 3D-Printed Lungs
The firm, in collaboration with 3D Systems, is developing a 3D printer that can create an extremely detailed lung, including the 23 airways and the alveoli and blood-vessel network. To achieve this structure, they have used collagen, a biocompatible material. After printing the mold, scientists need to bring it to life by placing a layer of stem cells on the collagen, making it a fully functional organ.
3D Printing in the Medical Field
The progress made in creating all kinds of 3D-printed structures, from toys to full-size buildings, shows that this bioprinting technology is bound to pioneer a fundamental change in many sectors, including medical applications.
Prostheses and 3D Printing
Prostheses can be sophisticated and expensive devices that must mimic human mobility and be fully customized for each user. In war zones and developing economies affected by illnesses such as polio, access to prostheses is limited. 3D printing can help address this issue. Over the last decade, the printing of prostheses has been one of the main applications of the technology. Volunteers from a network called e-NABLE are working to provide children and people in need with free prostheses.
Other Medical Applications of 3D Printing
Another interesting bioprinting application is the creation of 3D models of patients. As each body is different, surgery can always face unexpected problems. Now, surgeons can replicate the organs of their patients and carry out clinical trials before the actual intervention. Surgical instruments can also be printed on demand to be used in areas with a lack of availability. Additionally, audiphones, which must be tailored to the ear structure of the patient, have also benefited from the advantages of 3D printing.
Conclusion
In conclusion, 3D printing is revolutionizing the medical field, particularly in the area of organ donation and prostheses. The ability to create 3D-printed organs, such as lungs, and customized prostheses is a significant breakthrough that can improve the lives of thousands of people. As this technology continues to advance, we can expect to see more innovative applications in the medical field, ultimately leading to better healthcare outcomes and improved quality of life for individuals around the world.
