News

Stanford's Innovation: 3D-Printed Organs Change Medicine

Stanford University has set an ambitious goal for itself: by 2028, they aim to 3D-print a human heart and transplant it into a pig, opening the door to new possibilities in organ transplantation. This endeavor harnesses the potential of 3D bioprinting technology, which works with bioink containing living cells, in contrast to traditional 3D printers. This breakthrough holds immense promise for the field of healthcare.

Imagine a future where you can order personalized replacement organs, created using your own cells to prevent rejection by your body. This vision may soon become a reality thanks to the rapid advancement of 3D bioprinting technology.

The revolution is already underway: 3D bioprinting is currently producing miniature organs and patches for heart defects. For instance, researchers at the University of Oxford are using 3D bioprinting to mimic the complex structure of the human brain, which could offer new possibilities for treating brain injuries and diseases.

Significant progress is also being made in addressing heart and cardiovascular issues. Stanford researchers have secured a $26.3 million contract from the National Institutes of Health's Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) to 3D-print human hearts and transplant them into pigs within the next five years.

This bold endeavor aims to eliminate the shortage of organs for transplantation. They plan to produce various types of cells depending on the cell type needed and then culture them in "bioreactors," which provide an ideal environment for cell survival.

The ultimate goal is to use an individual's own stem cells as the basis for the bioink used in printing replacement hearts. This could potentially eliminate the need for immunosuppressive drugs, reducing the risk of infection.

This incredible development demonstrates that 3D bioprinting technology can be applied to various organs in the human body, potentially ushering in a new era in medicine.

To the Moon and Beyond: 3D Printing Drives NASA's Lunar Aspirations 

NASA and Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) have collaborated to step into a new dimension of 3D printing, creating a prototype wheel for a lunar rover. ORNL used a newly developed 3D printer, specially designed for space exploration, based on NASA's design. The produced wheel will soon be tested to compare its performance with wheels made using traditional manufacturing methods.

For some time, NASA has been preparing for a mission aimed at mapping the moon's south pole. At first glance, this might not seem that significant, but this project is crucial for understanding how water is distributed on the Moon and whether there's enough of it to support habitation. The vehicle for this mission is the Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover, known shortly as VIPER, which will be equipped with a new wheel design. These new wheels have now been 3D printed.

The 3D printed prototype wheels are made of a nickel alloy and have a diameter exceeding 50 cm, which is remarkably large for a part made using metal powder bed fusion. With additive manufacturing, it's possible to produce more complex parts in a shorter time, approximately 40 hours, without any additional costs or manufacturing challenges. Its only downside is its weight, as it's 50% heavier than the original wheel. But if NASA can prove that the 3D printed prototype is as durable as the original, the next generation of rovers could be equipped with these wheels.

Peter Wang, who leads the development of new laser powder bed fusion systems, strongly believes in the unique capability of the used printer to print large objects simultaneously and continuously. The printer in question uses two lasers that are coordinated with each other and has a rotating print plate. Gibson, the lead researcher of the project, added: "Additive manufacturing offers the flexibility that if you have the raw materials, you can produce any replacement part needed, whether in space or on Earth."

3D Printing: Unlocking the Future of Gaming Innovation

The video game industry has never been as significant as it is now, with a projected market size of $334 billion by 2023. Within the same year, thanks to the rise of 3D printing, both game developers and players alike have discovered numerous innovative applications in this area. The Somnium VR1 virtual reality (VR) headset is a result of a collaboration with Somnium Space. Meanwhile, a Canadian startup introduced a customized ergonomic mouse designed based on the player's hand image. Another notable mention is a company that has leveraged 3D printing to produce unique controller casings and buttons, and a major game developer showcased a 3D printed costume in their latest installment of a popular dance game series.

Additionally, a prominent gaming company released the 3D print file for its popular portable gaming system, allowing enthusiasts to craft their devices or design custom casings for their gaming hardware. 3D printing empowers gamers to fully personalize and optimize their gaming experience, and the examples mentioned here are just the tip of the iceberg.

Innovative Green Construction: The Future is 'Living'

In a groundbreaking endeavor, a research team led by Michigan State University is on a mission to revolutionize the construction sector. They envision a future where structures are crafted from sustainable, cost-effective materials that possess the extraordinary capabilities of self-repair and carbon sequestration.

Backed by a $2 million grant from the National Science Foundation, Assistant Professor Jinxing Li and his team are pioneering the development of 3D-printed construction materials infused with microbes. These microorganisms not only thrive within the materials but are designed to naturally sequester greenhouse gases and mend material damage.

Li's innovative approach to "engineer microbes to build better materials" capitalizes on the advantages of 3D printing technology. The ultimate goal is to harness sustainable biomass, including agricultural waste, to produce these new "inks" for construction. Once integrated, microbes within these inks can produce polymers and minerals that strengthen the materials and repair them, all while capturing carbon from the atmosphere.

This high-risk, high-reward venture showcases a unique fusion of biology and construction technology, heralding a future where buildings contribute actively to a healthier planet.

Revolutionizing Pediatric Healthcare: 3D Printing Tailored Medicines for Children

at Texas A&M University have made an impressive breakthrough in healthcare by personalizing pediatric medicines. Innovative 3D printing technology allows them to precisely create pediatric medicine dosages that are ideal for children's unique needs. 

The dosing of paediatric medicines has always been a challenge as children's body weight is constantly changing. This makes the development and manufacture of medicines for children less attractive to pharmaceutical companies. Currently, many medicines for adults are used in children and are administered in liquid form. However, this method can reduce the effectiveness of the medicine and often reveals the bitter taste of the medicine. 

3D printing provides a solution to these challenges. The technology enables the creation of custom-made medicines that precisely match children's body weight and medication needs. The medicine is produced to their specifications, ensuring optimal efficacy. 

In the process, the hospital or pharmacy uses available powders and binders to make the medicine and then uses a laser to combine them into a solid mixture. The advantage of this technology is that the dosage of the medicine can be precisely controlled, which helps to improve children's health. 

3D printing opens up a new perspective for the pharmaceutical industry and although it is currently used in the field of paediatric medicines, it could be used in other healthcare areas in the future. With research and development still ongoing, this innovative technology has the potential to bring wide-ranging benefits to healthcare.

Craftbot 3D is more than just a printer manufacturing company - we're a knowledgeable team here for you! When you purchase a professional 3D printer from us, you're also gaining a committed and experienced partner dedicated to your success. Alongside top-tier printing and ongoing support, together we shape the future of your business. Join the Craftbot team, and let's create something astonishing together!