Scientists have introduced a new Integrated Tissue and Organ Printing System (ITOP) that can be used to 3D print functional human parts, such as a jaw bone, muscle tissue, and cartilage structures. This system layers the material to build a product in a process called additive manufacturing, using specially designed biomaterials that resemble the structure of actual living tissue. Continue reading for more pictures and information.
“The ITOP system injects new methodology and technology into the process. A biodegradable polymer material is first printed to provide shape to the nascent tissue and is then filled with a non-toxic gel which contains the living cells. The ITOP also imprints microchannels throughout the tissues so that the processes necessary for keeping a cell healthy and alive are possible,” according to Inhabitat.
