3D printing not just can print out figure and toy, but also can printing out human body parts and customized equipment.  In the book, Fabricated, it inspire me about bio-technology and gives me more insight about how it works. The questions alone the side, also raise in my head. In the future, we can print human parts, like heart, kidney, skin, bone. But I want really know is how the whole thing works, and what steps it take to accomplish these things.  Comparing to today’s 3D printing, what the different between them. And how it will benefit majorities.

The article, “How 3-D Bioprinting Works” (http://health.howstuffworks.com/medicine/modern-technology/3-d-bioprinting4.htm ) deeply explain every aspects of 3D Bioprinting. The basic function of bioprinting and manufacturing 3D printing are the same. Bioprinting uses human cells and tissues as raw materials, computer designing the shape. However, printing human parts requires multiple-materials printing technology, and printer should be designer more suitable for medical use.

Medical teams who use bioprinting needs to collect lot of data and bioink from patient. Then, they will design parts they need for transplantation by using bioink from patient. Also, a new technology called Ink-Jet has been introduced to provide a more efficient way to bioprinting skin.

References

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3CiJ26YS_U

Using Ink-Jet Technology to Print Organs and Tissue

Today, more and more company interest and invest in 3D bioprinting, the future with it is bright. According to statistics in 2011. more than 120,000 US patients are waiting for organ donations. The market itself is huge, and 3D bioprinting has huge potential to save people’s lives and take over the market.

Reference

Bioprinting: Creative disruptive technology

Bioprinting brings creatives and possibilities to medical field. It disrupts this area and has the potential to transform the transitional medical technology. Reserchers experiment and apply bioprinting in the field they never step a foot before. The innovation with 3D bioprinting may help us overcome current medical obstacles. According to “3D Printing- Industry and Product Disruptor or Enabler”, ” Regenovo Biotechnology Co in conjunction with Hangzhou Dianzi University has created the first 3D printer to print multiple tissue samples including liver units and human ear cartilage. While the research is still experimental researchers are expecting fully functioning organs to be available within a decade.” People may argue about the chaos it brings to current medical field, but all new things need time to develop and to be accpeted, so does 3D bioprinting. In my perspective, I’m very optimistic about it.

Reference

3D Printing- Industry and Product Disruptor or Enabler,