3D-BIOPRINTING (Application of 3D printer for Organ Fabrication)

Abstract

Chronic shortage of human organs for transplantation has become more problematic in spite of major development in transplant technologies. In 2009, only 27,996 (18%) of 154,324 patients received organs and 8,863 (25 per day) died while on the waiting list. As of early 2014, approximately 120,000 people in the U.S. were awaiting an organ transplant. The solution to this problem is 3D bio-printing. This technology may provide a unique and new opportunity where we can print 3D organs. It incorporates two technologies, tissue engineering and 3D printing. 3D bioprinting involves dispensing cells onto a biocompatible scaffold using a successive layer-by-layer approach to generate tissue-like three-dimensional structures. It uses instruction in the CAD file for formation of the object, high level computer programming and ability to build highly advanced computer systems, it offers hope for bridging the gap between organ shortage and transplantation needs.