Chinese researchers have developed a 3D bio-printer that makes it possible to mass produce human tissue, including skin, cartilage and liver.
Measuring 1.6 meters long, 1 meter wide and 1.9 meters tall, the printer was developed by a research team led by Hangzhou Regenovo Biotechnology Co., Ltd.
"Mass production of medical materials as well as quality and safe printed products are two requirements for the clinical use of 3D printing," said the company's chairman, Xu Ming'en.
3D printing is not yet ubiquitous. Many bio-printers on the market remain too slow for mass production, or the printed products are not up to standards.
Xu said that the new printer, equipped with a variety of nozzles, can print more types of biological materials in a given period.
Different parts of the printer can control their own temperatures, ranging from minus 20 degrees Celsius to 260 degrees Celsius, to help preserve cell function and viability.
In addition, it has an infrared laser scanning head with micron-level accuracy, which can check the quality of the inner structure of products while printing, according to Wang Ling, associate professor with Hangzhou Dianzi University. Wang is also the developer of the scanning head.
The new 3D bio-printer will contribute to the clinical application of artificial tissues and organs. The 3D printed tissues and organs can also be used to test new medicines.
