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3D printed biomaterial

  • Posted By
    10Pointer
  • Categories
    Science & Technology
  • Published
    8th Mar, 2021

Context

Scientists from North-western University have discovered a new biomaterial that mimics the brain tissue and can be made by 3D printing.

What is 3D printing?

  • 3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is a process by which physical objects are created by depositing materials in layers based on a digital model.

What are biomaterials?

  • Biomaterials may be natural or synthetic and are used in medical applications to support, enhance, or replace damaged tissue or a biological function
  • The first historical use of biomaterials dates to antiquity, when ancient Egyptians used sutures made from animal sinew
  • Metals, ceramics, plastic, glass, and even living cells and tissue all can be used in creating a biomaterial.

Current usage of biomaterial

  • Medical implants: heart valves, stents, and grafts; artificial joints, ligaments, and tendons; hearing loss implants; dental implants
  • Methods to promote healing of human tissues: including sutures, clips, and staples for wound closure, and dissolvable dressings.
  • Regenerated human tissues: using a combination of biomaterial supports or scaffolds, cells, and bioactive molecules.  Examples include a bone regenerating hydrogel and a lab-grown human bladder.
  • Biosensorsto detect the presence and amount of specific substances and to transmit that data.  Examples are blood glucose monitoring devices and brain activity sensors.
  • Drug-delivery systemsthat carry and/or apply drugs to a disease target. Examples include drug-coated vascular stents and implantable chemotherapy wafers for cancer patients.

Significance of the discovery

  • This can treat neurodegenerative diseaseor brain and spinal cord injuries by transplanting the brain or other tissues.

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