🧫 Impressora 3D em LEGO fabrica tecido humano

Summary

A group of scientists at Cardiff University developed a 3D printer made entirely from Lego pieces that can print living human skin and other tissues. Controlled by a small computer program, the bioprinter deposits a gel with living cells to create layers of skin mimicking human tissue structure. The researchers aim to create synthetic skin models to test drug efficacy. By publicly sharing the design, any lab could build their own bioprinter from Lego parts for around $630, potentially accelerating skin studies and new treatment development. This accessible 3D bioprinting technology could also benefit burn wound care and grafts.

Takeaways

• 😲 A group of scientists from Cardiff University developed a 3D printer made entirely from Lego pieces that can print human skin and other tissues
• 👩‍🔬 The Lego printer, controlled by a small computer and software, releases a gel with living cells to create layers of skin that replicate human tissue structure
• 💊 The researchers are focused on creating 3D models of synthetic skin to test drugs and evaluate their efficacy
• 🔬 Cardiff University publicly shared the printer design, allowing any research lab to build their own bio-printer using Lego parts
• ☝️ The Lego bio-printer accelerates skin studies and new treatment development
• 💲 The construction cost of this printer is $630
• 🔥 Accelerated 3D printing of skin could also be relevant for burn wounds and treatment
• ⚙️ The Lego printer moves while depositing the gel to build up skin layers
• 🚀 Using simple and accessible Lego pieces accelerates research by allowing labs to rapidly construct bio-printers
• 👍 Sharing the open-source design democratizes access to this technology

Q & A

What did the researchers at Cardiff University develop?

They developed a 3D printer made entirely from Lego pieces that can print human skin and other tissues.

What material does the Lego printer use to print skin?

It prints skin using a gel containing living cells.

How does the Lego printer work?

It moves around while squeezing out a gel with living cells to create layers of skin that replicate human tissue structure.

What are the researchers aiming to create with the printer?

They are aiming to create 3D models of synthetic skin to test drugs and evaluate their effectiveness.

What has Cardiff University done with the printer design?

They have publicly shared the design to allow any research lab to build their own bioprinter using Lego pieces.

How much does it cost to build the Lego skin printer?

The construction cost is around $630.

How could the Lego skin printer be useful medically?

It could help accelerate skin graft research and treatment for burn victims.

What kind of cells does the skin contain?

The skin contains living cells like keratinocytes, fibroblasts, and other cells.

Could the printer be used for tissues other than skin?

Yes, the researchers state it can print other tissues beyond just skin.

How does bioprinting with Lego help research?

The low-cost accessibility allows more labs to conduct studies and accelerate development of new treatments.