A group of researchers in Greece have proposed a new bioreactor – a vessel where tissue engineering or other biological processes can take place- with the goal of developing better bioengineered cartilage tissue growing around a 3D printed structure.
Cartilage is the thin layer of tissue on the surfaces of joints, it that shapes both the nose (septal cartilage) and ears. An advancement in the production of artificial cartilage could help a sizeable group who suffer limited mobility due to damage or wear in their joint cartilage, or have damage to other areas where cartilage plays an important role in the structure of body parts. The research group comprises multiple departments at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (A.U.TH.) and IESL-FORTH. The new research describes a bioreactor design that will advance the production of tissues, in particular those with high cell densities and enhanced mechanical properties leading to better quality of engineered cartilage.
Biotissues
Bioengineered tissue often starts with the creation of a structure that mimics an extracellular matrix (ECM). The ECM which supports cell, and could be thought of as a web of proteins and sugars. This is the process where 3D printing is crucial since it provides the structural support where the organic cell attach and subsequently develop tissue. 3D printing allow...
SOURCE: 3dprintingindustry.com ( go on reading...)
