Tuesday, 24 September 2013 20:58

Organ combination on a microchip Featured

Researchers from the Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine led by Antony Atla have developed miniature human organs, using a modified 3D printer. They are now being used for testing new vaccines.

Even though tissue production using 3D printers is not new, and microchips have been used for toxicity testing for some time, this is the first time researchers have combined different organ models, such as heart, liver and lungs, in one device.

The organs are placed on a microchip and then connected to a blood substitute, a fluid derived from trauma surgery. The researchers acknowledge that “producing” complex organs such as the heart or the liver represents a major challenge.

The U.S. Department of Defense has supplied $24 million funding for the new technology.

Source:
http://www.innovations-report.de/
For more information:
http://www.wakehealth.edu/WFIRM