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Organovo Prints Functional Liver Tissue
3 Aug
Summary
- Three-dimensional liver tissue was printed using hepatocytes and stellate cells.
- The printed tissue remained viable for 135 hours and retained key liver functions.
- Advancements in 3D printing may lead to transplantable replicated organs within decades.
In a notable presentation, Organovo showcased the successful creation of a three-dimensional liver tissue construct. This advanced biological printing involved layering hepatocytes, stellate cells, and blood vessel tissue to ensure stability and functionality.
The printed liver tissue demonstrated remarkable viability, remaining functional for 135 hours. This development is a critical step beyond simple cell cultures, mimicking the complexity of actual organ tissue and enabling nutrient transport crucial for advanced functions.
While other research groups are exploring various 3D printing techniques for biological structures, Organovo's achievement in creating vascularized and functional tissue marks a significant advancement. The potential for printing implantable liver tissue and eventually entire organs offers hope for future medical treatments.
The economics of culturing cells for targeted transplants differ from mass-market applications, making Organovo's progress more feasible. This technology could revolutionize organ transplantation within decades, offering life-saving solutions for various diseases and injuries.
