Prior to reading the book Fabricated I had very little idea about 3D printing, the technology that makes it work, and endless possibilities it offers. I am now absolutely confident that a new era of customizable do-it-yourself manufacturing is emerging with 3D printers soon turning into a commodity. At the same time, 3D printing will immensely contribute to advancements in science, technology and medicine.
The book covers different facets of 3D printing, such as various types of printers and technology, a future of the design software and the economy of printable objects. The topic that I found particularly interesting and controversial is bioprinting. As defined in the book, bioprinting “creates living tissue, not inanimate replacement parts.” I find the possibility of printing functioning body organs particularly exciting because it will solve a lot of problems transplantology is now facing, such as donor organ shortage and transplant rejection. Because “bio-ink” will come from the patient’s own cells, the possibility of organ rejection will be minimal. One of the innovators in bioprinting – Organovo company – proves that 3D living tissue printing enables them to “change the shape of medical research and practice” by bypassing clinical drug trials on animals and humans. An informative video explaining how functional human tissue is created is posted on their official website.
At the same time when reflecting on the implications of bioprinting, I cannot help but think about various changes it will bring to the psychological attitude towards our bodies and health. Consider the possibility of being able to print new body organs on demand: will it make us more reckless and irresponsible towards our bodies? My other big concern is what happens, when bioprinting is able to print not just functioning organs but complete living creatures? How are we going to deal with ethical issues arising from this new and scary possibility?