Chicago-based biotech company BIOLIFE4D said it has succeeded in printing a miniature heart using 3D bioprinting technology. The mini heart is structured like a real human heart and will be an important milestone in creating an implantable 3D printed heart.
Biolife 4D bio-printed human heart tissue in 3D for the first time in June of last year. Earlier this year, it succeeded in bioprinting structures such as heart valves, injections, and blood vessels. This time, he succeeded in reproducing the entire heart structure with bioprints.
This mini heart is made using human cardiomyocytes and bio-ink. The output also includes the process of differentiating iPS cells made from patient white blood cells into heart cells.
The ultimate goal of BioLife4D is to create a 3D bioprinted heart that can actually be implanted. If this happens, it can be a great hope for patients waiting for a heart transplant. In recent years, technology to create a vascular network in a 3D printed heart is also emerging, and it seems that the day when a 3D printed heart can be implanted is approaching. Related information can be found here .