For their work, the researchers from the University of Complutense Madrid and from the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) used a polycaprolactone (PCL) grid in 3D, onto which the cells from patients were able to grow through a needle attached at an extruder. The cells were able to grow, penetrated the PCL to replace it as a natural material (bone or cartilage).

The researchers are investigating two different methods to implant the tissue to the patient. In the first method the cells are implanted together with the grid directly into the damaged part of the bone or cartilage so that it can regenerate the body. In the second method, a kind of "ecosystem" is created consisting of surrounding tissue in which the human implant is produced, which will be subsequently implanted in the patient.

In two years clinical studies should follow.

Source and further information:
http://netzpalaver.de/2017/07/11/3d-drucker-zur-herstellung-von-menschlichem-gewebe/