Newsletter_04-2024_EN
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Advancements in laser technology are accelerating progress in 3D bioprinting
of organs, a process that has the potential to help meet a growing worldwide demand
for organ transplants.
Transition to Laser-Based 3D Bioprinting:
Stride Towards Addressing Organ Shortage
Recent advancements in laser technology are leading to groundbreaking
developments in the medical field, from improved treatment
of cardiovascular diseases to higher-precision manufacturing
of medical devices.
Improvements in the speed and accuracy of laser technology are
also at the root of the latest advancements in 3D bioprinting, setting
the stage for rapid progress toward the creation of 3D-printed organs
for transplantation. In the face of a growing organ donor shortage,
laser-based bioprinting has the potential to help medical researchers
meet the increasing worldwide demand for organ transplants.
The role of lasers in 3D-printing organs
Bioprinting is the process of precisely layering biomaterials, also
known as bioinks, to form three-dimensional structures, from biological
tissues to larger-scale organs. While bio-printed tissues are
currently being used for medical research like drug testing, biotech
firms are pushing the technology further, toward the development of
full-sized 3D-printed organs for transplant.
Laser-based bioprinting is a cutting-edge technology that is helping
to speed up this pursuit. According to Vidmantas Šakalys, CEO
of Vital3D Technologies, a biotech company that specializes in 3D
bioprinting solutions, the primary benefit of using lasers in bioprinting
is their ability to enhance the speed and precision of the process.
“Using lasers in the bioprinting process allows for more precise
control over the placement of cells and biomaterials, at the microscale
level,” Šakalys says. “Laser-based methods can be made to be
relatively fast and precise, compared to other bioprinting techniques.
This is important for large-scale tissue fabrication, where speed is
a key factor. Overall, lasers allow for a more nuanced manipulation
of bio-inks, which is indispensable when replicating sophisticated
organ structures.“
From speed and precision to improved patient safety
Successful bioprinting is about more than just speed and precision,
Šakalys says. “Laser-based bioprinting is relatively gentle compared
to other techniques. This helps to minimize damage to cells during
the printing process and improve the overall viability and functionality
of printed bio-structures.”
Lasers also help ensure that printed tissues have the appropriate
structural characteristics, such as correct density, elasticity, and
permeability, which are vital for their successful integration into the
host body. By using this method, bio-printed tissues are treated as an
extension of the body rather than a foreign object. This significantly
reduces the risk of tissue rejection and limits the need for immunosuppressant
drugs, which patients who receive transplants are often
required to take.
Advanced laser technology helps ensure a higher degree of accuracy
than traditional techniques, which contributes to increased
patient safety and better medical outcomes,” says Šakalys. “Laserbased
bioprinting is not just about creating structures, it‘s also about
creating safe, viable, and compatible living tissues for medical
applications.”
Some challenges remain
Despite its advantages, laser-based bioprinting still faces some challenges
that need to be overcome to capitalize on its potential fully.
One significant challenge is the high cost and complexity of laser
equipment, which may limit its widespread usage in the medical
field. Laser bioprinting is a time-consuming process, and is currently
capable of producing only small structures. As such, clinical applications
at present are somewhat limited.
Nevertheless, ongoing research and technological developments
point to the possibility of tackling these issues, pushing laser-based
bioprinting to new frontiers of biomedical science.
(Photo credit: Vital 3D )
Vital3D
10224 Vilnius
Litauen
www.reinraum.de | www.cleanroom-online.com NEWSLETTER | Edition EN 04-2024
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