Scientists claim that they can print individual corneas for each person from stromal cells.
Bioengineers closely approached the printing of human organs. In January, scientists from the United Kingdom created a technique for 3D printing of tissues of the human body. They first printed soft tissues with the help of “quick freezing”. Now researchers from Newcastle University (UK) have created a cornea based on stem cells.
Scientists have finally managed to form suitable biochernil. The mixture contains the cells of the stroma of the living donor’s cornea, alginates (polysaccharides) and collagen, the protein that forms the basis of the connective tissue of the body. Based on this substance, an ordinary 3D printer formed a healthy cornea in ten minutes.
Professor Che Connon (Che Connon) explained how the team achieved the result:
“Our unique gel is a combination of alginate and collagen: they support life in stem cells during the production of the material. The material itself is hard enough to hold the given shape, and soft enough to leave the printer unhindered. This result is based on our previous work, in which we kept the cells alive for several weeks at room temperature inside a similar gel. ”
Dr. Steve Swiaklo and Professor Che Connon / Newcastle University
The size of the cornea was adjusted to the performance of a particular donor. Specialists assure that in the same way can simulate the cornea of any person. The invention must undergo a series of tests for several years – and only then it will go to hospitals for transplantation.
