Context
Scientists from North-western University have discovered a new biomaterial that mimics the brain tissue and can be made by 3D printing.
What is 3D printing?
- 3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is a process by which physical objects are created by depositing materials in layers based on a digital model.
What are biomaterials?
- Biomaterials may be natural or synthetic and are used in medical applications to support, enhance, or replace damaged tissue or a biological function
- The first historical use of biomaterials dates to antiquity, when ancient Egyptians used sutures made from animal sinew
- Metals, ceramics, plastic, glass, and even living cells and tissue all can be used in creating a biomaterial.
Current usage of biomaterial
- Medical implants: heart valves, stents, and grafts; artificial joints, ligaments, and tendons; hearing loss implants; dental implants
- Methods to promote healing of human tissues: including sutures, clips, and staples for wound closure, and dissolvable dressings.
- Regenerated human tissues: using a combination of biomaterial supports or scaffolds, cells, and bioactive molecules. Examples include a bone regenerating hydrogel and a lab-grown human bladder.
- Biosensorsto detect the presence and amount of specific substances and to transmit that data. Examples are blood glucose monitoring devices and brain activity sensors.
- Drug-delivery systemsthat carry and/or apply drugs to a disease target. Examples include drug-coated vascular stents and implantable chemotherapy wafers for cancer patients.
Significance of the discovery
- This can treat neurodegenerative diseaseor brain and spinal cord injuries by transplanting the brain or other tissues.
