The newly developed fiber-infused gel (FIG) ink allows the 3D-printed heart muscle cells to beat like a human heart chamber.
The fiber-infused gel ink allows the 3D-printed heart muscle cells to align and beat in coordination like a human heart chamber. The immediate goal of the researchers is to discover new therapeutics for heart disease, while the long-term plan is to fabricate implantable tissues.
“FIG ink is capable of flowing through the printing nozzle but, once the structure is printed, it maintains its 3D shape. Because of those properties, I found it’s possible to print a ventricle-like structure and other complex 3D shapes without using extra support materials or scaffolds,” Choi added.
Choi explains that the most challenging part of the process was maintaining the desired ratio between fibers and hydrogel in the ink. Once that was achieved, she applied electrical stimulation to 3D-printed structures made with FIG ink, which triggered a coordinated wave of contractions. “It was very exciting to see the chamber actually pumping in a similar way to how real heart ventricles pump,” said Choi.The study was published inHydrogels are attractive materials for tissue engineering, but efforts to date have shown limited ability to produce the microstructural features necessary to promote cellular self-organization into hierarchical three-dimensional organ models.
Deutschland Neuesten Nachrichten, Deutschland Schlagzeilen
Similar News:Sie können auch ähnliche Nachrichten wie diese lesen, die wir aus anderen Nachrichtenquellen gesammelt haben.
How Harvard makes so much money, and why it could soon changeInsider tells the global tech, finance, markets, media, healthcare, and strategy stories you want to know.
Weiterlesen »
Harvard Health: Can a multivitamin improve your memory?It is worth speaking with your doctor about whether you could have a vitamin deficiency in B1, B6, B12, D, or any other important vitamins.
Weiterlesen »
The road to Harvard was on horseback | Morning NewsletterDaily News | The road to Harvard was on horseback | Morning Newsletter
Weiterlesen »
Elon Musk 'totally out of his element' at Twitter, Harvard expert saysElon Musk is 'totally out of his element' at Twitter because he doesn't 'understand social media,' a Harvard leadership expert says
Weiterlesen »
Transhumanist Down Under: Australian Government Funds Scientists Merging AI With Brain CellsA team of scientists has won a $600,000 grant from the government of Australia to continue their work merging human brain cells with artificial intelligence.
Weiterlesen »