The future is here: Hong Kong scientists are now 3D printing organs for transplant patients

3D printers can make some weird and wonderful things, but scientists at the University of Hong Kong in China are taking it to the next level by experimenting with technology that is 3D printing functional organ tissue.

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In a new report from the South China Morning Post, we're hearing that Professor Michael Chan and his researchers have developed a new system that involves organ tissue that isn't just 3D printed, but lab-grown. The combination of the two, as well as a custom organoid, ensures that there's a lower chance of the 3D-printed organ being rejected by the patient.

Professor Chan said that 3D printed biomaterial isn't something totally new, and that it can't perform the right functions without cells pertaining to the organ that it is replacing. This is where the researchers' organoid embedding is involved, with the organoids created using stem cells from the patient that makes sure they don't just function, but also have genetic compatibility.

The organs are sometimes referred to as "mini organs" that are created from a simple oral swab, which provides enough genetic material to start a cultivation. Professor Chan said that the biggest challenge with this new venture was finding a method for embedding the organoids into the 3D-printed airway, where they can be used to test whether or not the patient is potentially allergic to medication, before it's administered.

Michael Chan Chi-wai said: "Airways are one of our strengths and an area we have dedicated significant time to. When people suffer from burn injuries, they may need to reconstruct their airway. Existing technologies allow the 3D printing of an airway using biomaterials. But without the cells, it cannot perform the functions of an airway".

Chan added: "Our organoids are able to perform these functions, so we hope to put them in the 3D-printed airway. In the future, we will not limit ourselves to the airway. We hope to do the same for other organs. It is easy to 3D print with biomaterials, but what matters is what kind of cells you put in them".

"Our approach is to put structures that resemble rebar used in construction and secure the organoids on them, like threading fish balls onto a skewer. Now, it can help us manage the organoids by feeding them. The ultimate version will be creating the organoids from start to finish after the collection of stem cells".

"Organoids can be used to see if a certain medicine is effective for you. This is what we call personalised medicine. I expect organoids will become a necessity in the future. When they become widely adopted, people will no longer rely on manual work. Instead, they may hope for machines that can perform these tasks with higher efficiency".