Throbbing heart tissue using 3D-printing and genetic reprogramming

Researchers from the Medical Institute «Wake Forest» created with the help of 3D-printing "throbbing" heart cells.





To "collect" small heart organelle, scientists first need to create a suitable biological material. For this purpose, cells of the skin was in genetically reprogrammed induced pluripotent stem cells - universal soldiers can develop in virtually any cell type.

Thereafter, the stem cells were transformed organelles in heart size in each quarter of a millimeter. Then tiny balls with the help of specialized 3D-printer Californian scientists have been able to gather in the beating heart shred.

According to the California medical school graduate Quince Mead, 3D-printed heart cells have a pulse and can only operate in an environment with a temperature of the human body. While this is only a small piece of matter, however, is like a living heart, it responds to electrical and chemical stimuli, thereby changing its "rhythm».

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For this project has been allocated 24 million. Dollars, and is primarily intended for testing of chemical and biological agents on living human bodies. However, given the success of the project, you can count on high-grade human organs for transplant in the near future.

Now researchers are working to develop a full-fledged three-dimensional heart, allowing cells to fully replicate the ability of the heart muscle.

Source: geektimes.ru/company/smile-expo/blog/249276/

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