Printing Life
A report from the Laboratory of Biophysics-Tissue Bioengineering in Bordeaux. Join us for a behind the scenes look at 3D printing in the health domain.
Has the dream of bioprinting become reality? Yes, partially. Researchers from BioPrint in Bordeaux – the new Accelerator of Technological Research (ART) – have found a way to deposit cells, layer by layer, according to a three-dimensional organization programmed to mimic that of native tissue as closely as possible. Their tools? Bioprinters assisted by the three major bioprinting technologies: laser, inkjet and micro-extrusion.
However, the 3D-printed "tissue" will evolve over time, adding a fourth dimension. For this to occur, it must be nourished and oxygenated. A major limitation to the printing of organs therefore remains the creation of a vascular network to enable total tissue perfusion. Nevertheless, bioprinted cell structures – and simplified organ models – already offer researchers the possibility to test different cell organizations and the effects of radiotherapy or those of medicines.
Inaugurated on October 12, 2017, the primary mission of the ART is to speed up the dissemination of bioprinting technologies throughout the entire Inserm scientific community and apply the knowledge of this multidisciplinary team to various domains (tissue engineering, oncology, pharmacology, etc.) to facilitate the development of innovative research projects in each of its units. Join us for a visit!
Find the report in issue 38 of Science&Santé magazine (in French)