A Pen That 3-D Prints Bone Right Onto Patients
Anticipating the future, scientists from the University of Wollongong in Australia have created the BioPen, a tool that lets physicians more or less draw new bones on people-through 3D printing. The pen is loaded with so-called “stem cell ink,” a batch of human cells that can form new bone. Another second substance, a polymer, then seals the area so the stem cells can do their work in peace. You can see why this is promising: if someone loses parts of bone in an accident, a tool like this pen could apply a fix directly to the problem area.
It’s yet to undergo clinical testing, so it still may be a while before it hits the market.
Source and further reading:
http://www.popsci.com/article/science/pen-3-d-prints-bone-right-patients?dom=PSC&loc=recent&lnk=7&con=img-typeoffoafimage-srchttpwwwpopscicomsitespopscicomfilesstylesarticleimagelargepublicimages201312biopenjpgitok30rbwiv-alt-
This is where medicine should be growing! Awesome! 👍
ReplyDeleteAwesome!!
ReplyDeleteThis could be used to repair damaged joints before they degrade to the point of requiring replacement.
I worked in a healthcare and rehab facility previously. I'd say two thirds of the post operation patients were single or multiple joint replacement patients.