This is an entirely new technique: it uses a 3D printer to construct bone-like structures from calcium phosphate ink, which harden in minutes when placed in water.
While the idea of using a 3D printer to create bone-like structures is not new, this is the first time it has been executed under convenient conditions: namely, at room temperature, complete with living cells, and without the use of harsh chemicals or radiation. The structure is portable.
“This is a unique technology that can produce structures that closely mimic bone tissue,” said Dr Iman Roohani, from the university’s school of chemistry. “It could be used in clinical applications where there is a large demand for in situ repair of bone defects such as those caused by trauma, cancer, or where a big chunk or tissue is resected.”
The ability to incorporate living cells incorporated into the structure marks a significant advance on previous efforts to 3D-print bone-like structures.
Until now...