Scientists from Stanford University have made significant progress in the development of organs through 3D printing, as they have secured a contract and funding for experiments involving the printing and implantation of human hearts in living pigs. This breakthrough has the potential to revolutionize organ transplantation, which is often hindered by a shortage of donor organs and the risk of organ rejection by the immune system.
The use of stem cells from the patient themselves offers a perfect solution to overcome these challenges. By using the patient’s own stem cells for 3D printing, the probability of organ rejection is eliminated. This technique not only has the potential to save many lives but also provides a personalized approach to organ transplantation.
3D printing technology for organs, including the printing of blood vessels, is rapidly advancing. A team of scientists from Stanford recently received a $26.3 million contract from the agency of advanced research projects in healthcare (ARPA-H) to further their research. The objective of the project is to create fully functioning human hearts and test them on pigs.
Mark Skylar-Skott, the chief researcher of the project, expresses excitement for what he calls “the era of organs” and outlines the team’s plan to use automated bioreactors to grow all the necessary types of cells for creating a human heart. These cells will then be used as “ink” for 3D printing. With this technology, the team believes they will be able to print a new heart every two weeks. The printed hearts will first undergo laboratory testing and then be tested on live pigs.
Although clinical trials in humans are still years away, the successful testing on pigs marks an important milestone in the journey towards creating organs from a patient’s own cells. While progress is being made, it is important to note that there are still many steps to be taken before the technology can be implemented for human use.
In related news, Lawrence Fosett, a 58-year-old individual, recently became the second person in the world to receive a heart transplant from a genetically modified pig. This achievement highlights the ongoing advancements and potential of organ transplantation techniques.