3D Systems announces a revolutionary program for 3D bioprinting of human tissues

3D Systems has launched a tissue regeneration program aimed at providing an innovative solution for surgical procedures requiring reconstruction of human tissues. The company created this program as a result of significant advances in the development of next-generation bioprinting solutions for 3D printed solid organs. By combining 3D bioprinting technology, biocompatible materials and cells derived directly from patients, 3D Systems is able to create vascularized, patient-specific, living human tissues.

With the power of advanced 3D modeling, innovative bioinks and high-speed, high-resolution 3D bioprinters, 3D Systems is developing a cell-free biointegrative scaffold for adipose tissue regeneration. This scaffold can be linked to an intraoperative cell (ie fat grafting) using fat cells taken from the patient during surgery. The result is a regenerative scaffold that mimics the patient’s anatomy and physiology, helping to improve surgical outcomes – addressing the clinical need for a long-term reconstructive solution for soft tissue applications.

The company will use its VSP surgical planning solutions to plan and design patient-specific scaffolds to improve surgical outcomes and patient comfort. A pioneer in personalized healthcare solutions, 3D Systems has been working with surgeons, including reconstructive plastic surgeons, for more than a decade to plan more than 150,000 patient-specific cases and produce more than two million implants and instruments for more than 100 devices with CE Marked and FDA Approved Devices.

Using the VSP for its tissue program, 3D Systems biomedical engineers will be able to work with surgeons – starting with the patient’s digital data – to design and manufacture biointegrating scaffolds tailored to the patient’s anatomy.

Over the last 12 months, 3D Systems has conducted in-depth research that directs the company’s efforts to build a functional platform for tissue regeneration. This includes the completion of numerous large animal studies proving the concept of biointegrating scaffolds for adipose tissue regeneration. The company is investigating the passively implanted angiogenic scaffold process to test the ability to grow new blood vessels. In addition, it has demonstrated the ability to directly anastomose vasculature (i.e. direct connection to the vascular system) of the scaffold. The scaffolds are built on a human scale from a family of biocompatible materials with adjustable properties that the company believes will be able to customize and personalize tissue reconstructions the size of human breasts.

“With the Tissue Regeneration Program, we now have a unique vertically integrated technology platform that enables us to fabricate detailed hydrogel scaffolds for multiple soft tissue applications,” said Katie Weimer, vice president of regenerative medicine at 3D Systems. “Our ability to 3D print high-resolution, high-volume biointegrated, vascularized tissue sets us apart and opens up great opportunities in providing a unique solution to breast reconstruction surgeons and patients. I am inspired by the potential of RBT as our first tissue application, and I believe this work will be extended to future applications such as lumpectomies, breast augmentation and facial implants.”

Source: www.3dsystems.com