stem cell printer

[geronimotwo]

http://news.yahoo.com/3d-printed-human-embryonic-stem-cells-created-first-165551783.html

scientists are using a printer to apply stem cells, which could lead to the creation of 3d replacement organs.  amazing if it comes to fruition.

[zxcvbob]

http://news.yahoo.com/3d-printed-human-embryonic-stem-cells-created-first-165551783.html

scientists are using a printer to apply stem cells, which could lead to the creation of 3d replacement organs.  amazing if it comes to fruition.

If they use the recipients own adult stem cells, they won't have to worry about organ rejection.  And I think that's already being done using extracellular matrix obtained from pig bladders.

[RoadKingLarry]

You know someone, somewhere is going to print out "that" organ just to see if they can make it a little bigger.

Other than that it sound like a interesting area of research.

[geronimotwo]

if this is taken a step further, i can visualize building the organ in place with no need for stitching of sutures.  merely use the computer to apply the organ where it belongs.  possibly this could be done arthoscopicaly if a printer head could be made that small?  even closing a wound could be done with spraying on skin cells.

[AZRedhawk44]

if this is taken a step further, i can visualize building the organ in place with no need for stitching of sutures.  merely use the computer to apply the organ where it belongs.  possibly this could be done arthoscopicaly if a printer head could be made that small?  even closing a wound could be done with spraying on skin cells.

Shades of "Starship Troopers" and "Prometheus."

[Sindawe]

Interesting development of the technology.

If they use the recipients own adult stem cells, they won't have to worry about organ rejection.

They may have to worry about the FDA getting involved.  There is a company local to me that stopped  US clinic application of a patients own stem cells (removed, cultred to expand total cell counts and then returned to the same person) since the FDA considers the cultured stem cells as a drug and so falls under their dominion if I understand the case correclty.

http://www.regenexx.com/tag/regenexx-fda/

http://www.regenexx.com/common-questions/regenexx-fda-clarification/