Bioprinting has been gaining a lot of attention in recent years, From creating working models of eyes to bioprinting a brain tumour, the advantages of bioprinting cells open a whole lot of roads for the medical sciences.
A team of Canadian-based researchers, using a new laser technique,3d printed living, viable mouse brain cells in the lab
.
According to the research printed in the journal micromachines, most of the neurons,
specifically, posterior root ganglions survived for over two days after they were printed.
Printing out living neurons may stir up pictures of transplanting lost cells to recover brain diseases or neurodegenerative diseases,However, the researchers are looking to go a different way with their research.
Concordia graduate student and study co-author Hamid Orimi says in a press release
“In general people jump to conclusions when thinking of bioprinting.” Human organ transplants are things we think of, however, while this is a long-term objective, we are very far from that point.
But there are various ways to still use this technology.”
bioprinting neurons is just the first step
Moreover, the transition from animal models to bio-printed human tissue holds the promise of accelerating the drug discovery and development pipeline. The streamlined and more accurate preclinical research process could expedite the identification of promising drug candidates, ultimately benefiting patients awaiting innovative treatments. This accelerated pace of drug development aligns with the ever-increasing demand for effective medical solutions and positions 3D printing of brain cells as a transformative force in the healthcare landscape.
In conclusion, while the primary aim of this research is not neuron transplantation, its potential impact on medical research is groundbreaking. The aspiration to replace animal models with 3D-printed human neurons in pharmaceutical testing reflects a commitment to ethical research practices and the pursuit of more precise and applicable preclinical results. As the team progresses in their endeavour, they not only strive to minimize the ethical concerns associated with animal testing but also aims to usher in a new era of medical research characterized by heightened accuracy, efficiency, and compassion. The fusion of cutting-edge technology and a commitment to ethical principles positions bio-printed human tissue as a promising avenue for the future of medicine.
Source: futurism, Micromachines
