British Geriot Watt University, in collaboration with Roslin Cellab, specializing in biomedicine, created a system of three-dimensional printing, which uses stem cells instead of ink. This material is the material for the formation of three main cell types, and can be used to form the bodies. Research conducted at the University showed that 10-30 stem cells are collected in small droplets with a diameter of 100-500 microns, which keep their shape well and are quite suitable for use in ink-jet printing.
To Print these stem cells experts have developed a special printer, and, according to information posted on the website of the University, it was a successful test. After layering stem cells on a substrate of a special bioculture obtained droplet size slightly smaller than a millimeter (although the shape and size can theoretically be any). Printed stem cells retained their ability to differentiate into any cell type - the researchers believe is the most important result of the experiment.
In the short term, the researchers plan to create with the use of the technology piece of liver. However, in order to grow more complex organs with blood and nervous system will require additional research.