• Login
    • Join
  • FOLLOW:
  • Subscribe Free
    • Magazine
    • eNewsletter
    Checkout
    • Magazine
    • News
    • Opinions
    • Top 30
    • Research
    • Supply Chain
    • Device Sectors
    • Directory
    • Events
    • Resources
    • Microsites
    • More
  • Magazine
  • News
  • Opinions
  • Top 30
  • Research
  • Supply Chain
  • Device Sectors
  • Directory
  • Events
  • Resources
  • Microsites
  • Current / Back Issues
    Features
    Editorial
    Digital Edition
    eNewsletter Archive
    Our Team
    Editorial Guidelines
    Reprints
    Subscribe Now
    Advertise Now
    Top Features
    Cybersecurity Challenges Leave Medical Device Makers Insecure

    OEMs Are Demanding Designs that Challenge Suppliers

    Diabetes Technology Manufacturers Seemingly on a Sugar Rush

    Post-Pandemic Partnerships: A Full-Service Outsourcing Discussion

    Discovering the Value of Surface Treatments and Coatings for Medtech
    OEM News
    Supplier News
    Service / Press Releases
    Online Exclusives
    Press Releases
    People in the News
    Product & Service Releases
    Supplier News
    Medtech Makers
    Technical Features
    International News
    Videos
    Product & Service Releases
    Live From Shows
    Regulatory
    Financial/Business
    Top News
    Iterative Scopes Expands its Senior Leadership Team

    Viz.ai Raises $100 Million in Series D Funding

    FDA Clears Arterys' AI Mapping and Quantification Tools

    Prometheus Group Sued Over Reused Catheters and Rectal Sensors

    VenoStent's SelfWrap Bioabsorbable Perivascular Wrap Earns Breakthrough Status
    From the Editor
    Blogs
    Guest Opinions
    Top Opinions
    Cybersecurity Challenges Leave Medical Device Makers Insecure

    OEMs Are Demanding Designs that Challenge Suppliers

    Diabetes Technology Manufacturers Seemingly on a Sugar Rush

    Post-Pandemic Partnerships: A Full-Service Outsourcing Discussion

    Discovering the Value of Surface Treatments and Coatings for Medtech
    Top 30 Medical Device Companies
    Market Data
    White Papers
    Top Research
    Injecting Neurostimulators into Blood Vessels (We Swear, It’s Not Sci-Fi)

    Understanding the Costs of Care in the OR

    Sick of Being Sick: Pandemic Fatigue Flares at AAOS

    Managing Critical Healthcare Supply Chains in Turbulent Times

    To Drive Value, Human Capital Leaders Turn to Outsourced Solutions
    3D/Additive Manufacturing
    Contract Manufacturing
    Electronics
    Machining & Laser Processing
    Materials
    Molding
    Packaging & Sterilization
    R&D & Design
    Software & IT
    Testing
    Tubing & Extrusion
    Cardiovascular
    Diagnostics
    Digital Health
    Neurological
    Patient Monitoring
    Surgical
    Orthopedics
    All Companies
    Categories
    Company Capabilities
    Add New Company
    Outsourcing Directory
    Trademark Plastics Inc.

    Concise Engineering

    Cirtec Medical

    Arthur G. Russell Co. Inc., The

    BMP Medical
    MPO Summit
    Industry Events
    Webinars
    Live From Show Event
    Industry Associations
    Videos
    Career Central
    eBook
    Slideshows
    Top Resources
    3D Printing in Dental Prosthodontics, Orthodontics, and Surgery

    What New Tech Can Improve Your Medical Manufacturing Plant?

    Why Medical Device Firms Must Navigate the Muddy Waters of ESG Requirements

    Medical Device Servicing vs. Remanufacturing

    Digital Marketplaces for Medical Equipment Come of Age
    Companies
    News Releases
    Product Releases
    Press Releases
    Product Spec Sheets
    Service Releases
    Case Studies
    White Papers
    Brochures
    Videos
    Outsourcing Directory
    Trademark Plastics Inc.

    Concise Engineering

    Cirtec Medical

    Arthur G. Russell Co. Inc., The

    BMP Medical
    • Magazine
      • Current/Back Issues
      • Features
      • Editorial
      • Columns
      • Digital Editions
      • Subscribe Now
      • Advertise Now
    • News
    • Directory
      • All Companies
      • ALL CATEGORIES
      • Industry Associations
      • Company Capabilities
      • Add Your Company
    • Supply Chain
      • 3D/Additive Manufacturing
      • Contract Manufacturing
      • Electronics
      • Machining & Laser Processing
      • Materials
      • Molding
      • Packaging & Sterilization
      • R&D & Design
      • Software & IT
      • Testing
      • Tubing & Extrusion
    • Device Sectors
      • Cardiovascular
      • Diagnostics
      • Digital Health
      • Neurological
      • Patient Monitoring
      • Surgical
      • Orthopedics
    • Top 30 Company Report
    • Expert Insights
    • Slideshows
    • Videos
    • eBook
    • Resources
    • Podcasts
    • Infographics
    • Whitepapers
    • Research
      • White Papers
      • Case Studies
      • Product Spec Sheets
      • Market Data
    • MPO Summit
    • Events
      • Industry Events
      • Live From Show Events
      • Webinars
    • Microsite
      • Companies
      • Product Releases
      • Product Spec Sheets
      • Services
      • White Papers / Tech Papers
      • Press Releases
      • Videos
      • Literature / Brochures
      • Case Studies
    • About Us
      • About Us
      • Contact Us
      • Advertise with Us
      • eNewsletter Archive
      • Privacy Policy
      • Terms of Use
    Breaking News

    Fraunhofer Scientists Make Strides in 3D Printing of Biological Tissue

    Researchers are working to develop and optimize suitable bioinks for additive manufacturing.

    Fraunhofer Scientists Make Strides in 3D Printing of Biological Tissue
    Dr. Kirsten Borchers calibrates the printing nozzle. All images courtesy of Fraunhofer IGB.
    Related CONTENT
    • 3D Systems
    • Biomedical Engineers Grow 3D Bioprinted Blood Vessel
    • The Importance of Metal Fabrication in the Innovation of Medical Devices
    • Greg Cebular Named as President of Mack Prototype
    • 3D Systems Sells Simbionix to Surgical Sciences for $305M
    Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft05.06.19
    The future of medicine is biological—and scientists hope we will soon be using 3D-printed biologically functional tissue to replace irreparably damaged tissue in the body. A team of researchers from the Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology IGB has been working with the University of Stuttgart for a number of years on a project to develop and optimize suitable bioinks for additive manufacturing. By varying the composition of the biomaterial, the researchers have already succeeded in expanding their portfolio to include bone and vascularization inks. That has laid the foundations for manufacturing bone-like tissue structures featuring capillary networks.
     
    3D printing is not only gaining ground in manufacturing—it is also taking on increasing importance in the realm of regenerative medicine. Scientists are now hoping to use this additive manufacturing method to create bespoke biocompatible tissue scaffolds that will replace irreparably damaged tissue. A team of researchers at Fraunhofer IGB in Stuttgart is also working on bio-based inks for manufacturing biological implants in the laboratory using 3D printing techniques. To create a 3D object in the desired pre-programmed shape, the team utilizes a layer-by-layer approach to print a liquid mixture comprising biopolymers such as gelatin or hyaluronic acid, aqueous medium and living cells. These bio-inks remain in a viscous state during printing and are then exposed to UV light to crosslink them into water-containing polymer networks called hydrogels.
     
    Targeted Chemical Modification of Biomolecules
    Scientists can chemically modify the biomolecules to provide the resulting gels with different degrees of crosslinking and swellability. This makes it possible to imitate the consistency of natural tissue—from stronger hydrogels for cartilage to softer gels for fatty tissue. Broad adjustments can also be made to the level of viscosity: “At room temperature of 21 degrees Celsius, gelatin is as firm as jelly, which is no good for printing. To prevent temperature-dependant gelation and to enable us to process it regardless of temperature, we ‘mask’ the side chains of the biomolecules that are responsible for gelling gelatin,” said Dr. Achim Weber, head of the Particle-Based Systems and Formulations Group, explaining one of the key challenges encountered in the process.
     
    A further challenge is that the gelatin must be chemically crosslinked to prevent it from liquefying at temperatures of around 37 degrees. To achieve this, it is functionalized twice: in this case, the research team has opted for integration of crosslinkable methacryl-groups into the biomolecules thereby substituting various parts of the non-crosslinking, masking acetyl groups—a unique approach in the field of bioprinting. “We formulate inks that offer adjusted conditions for different cell types and tissue structures,” said Dr. Kirsten Borchers, who is responsible for bioprinting projects in Stuttgart.


    Syringes containing various bio-ink formulations.
     
    In collaboration with the University of Stuttgart, the team recently succeeded in creating two different hydrogel environments: stiffer gels with mineral components to cater to bone cells, and softer gels without mineral components to enable blood vessel cells to form themselves into capillary-like structures.
     
    Bone and Vascularization inks
    The researchers have already succeeded in producing bone ink on the basis of the material kit they created. Their goal is to enable the cells processed in the kit to regenerate the original tissue, in other words to form bone tissue themselves. The secret to creating the ink lies in a special mixture of the bone mineral powder hydroxylapatite and biomolecules. “The best artificial environment for the cells is one that comes closest to the natural conditions in the body. That’s why the role of the tissue matrix in our printed tissues is played by biomaterials that we generate from elements of the natural tissue matrix,” said the scientist.
     
    The vascularization ink forms soft gels that support the establishment of capillary structures. Cells that form blood vessels are incorporated in the inks. The cells move, migrate toward each other and form systems of capillary networks consisting of small tubular structures. If this bone substitute was to be implanted, the biological implant would connect to the recipient’s blood vessel system much faster than an implant without capillary-like pre-structures, as detailed in the relevant literature. “It would probably be impossible to 3D-print larger tissue structures successfully without vascularization ink,” said Weber.
     
    The Stuttgart team’s latest research project involves developing matrices to regenerate cartilage. “Whatever type of cell we isolate from body tissue and multiply in the laboratory, we have to create a suitable environment in which they can fulfil their specific functions over longer periods of time,” explained the team’s bioengineer, Lisa Rebers.
     
    Fraunhofer IGB is continuing to pursue its research work in the Mass Personalization High-Performance Center in Stuttgart as part of a joint initiative with the Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation IPA and the University of Stuttgart. The Additive4Life interdisciplinary working group is responsible for creating new technologies and printable biomaterials for bioprinting.
    Related Searches
    • Manufacturing
    • additive manufacturing
    • engineering
    • tissue
    Related Knowledge Center
    • 3D/Additive Manufacturing
    • Cardiovascular
    • Materials
    Suggested For You
    3D Systems 3D Systems
    Biomedical Engineers Grow 3D Bioprinted Blood Vessel Biomedical Engineers Grow 3D Bioprinted Blood Vessel
    The Importance of Metal Fabrication in the Innovation of Medical Devices The Importance of Metal Fabrication in the Innovation of Medical Devices
    Greg Cebular Named as President of Mack Prototype Greg Cebular Named as President of Mack Prototype
    3D Systems Sells Simbionix to Surgical Sciences for $305M 3D Systems Sells Simbionix to Surgical Sciences for $305M
    Rice Team Building Insulin-Producing Implant for Type 1 Diabetes Rice Team Building Insulin-Producing Implant for Type 1 Diabetes
    Metal Injection Molding and Metal 3D Printing Examination Metal Injection Molding and Metal 3D Printing Examination
    Desktop Health Adds PhonoGraft Platform to Its Technology Platform Desktop Health Adds PhonoGraft Platform to Its Technology Platform
    «driven» takes a look at the fourth planet «driven» takes a look at the fourth planet
    Materialise Acquires Option to Buy Link3D Materialise Acquires Option to Buy Link3D
    Grant Issued for Development of 3D-Printed Resorbable Medical Implants Grant Issued for Development of 3D-Printed Resorbable Medical Implants
    Why Bad Products Still Ship and Good People Have to Clean Up the Mess Why Bad Products Still Ship and Good People Have to Clean Up the Mess
    Evolving Trends in the Medical and Orthopedic Devices Industry Evolving Trends in the Medical and Orthopedic Devices Industry
    Report: Emergency Use Authorization a Top Health Hazard for 2021 Report: Emergency Use Authorization a Top Health Hazard for 2021
    A Blueprint for Reducing Medtech Industry A Blueprint for Reducing Medtech Industry's Carbon Footprint

    Related Content

    • 3D Systems

      3D Systems

      ...
      Lauren Pedersen, Healthcare Marketing Manager 11.15.21

    • Cardiovascular
      Biomedical Engineers Grow 3D Bioprinted Blood Vessel

      Biomedical Engineers Grow 3D Bioprinted Blood Vessel

      Paves the way for possible cardiovascular drug advancements with better precision.
      Texas A&M Engineering 08.19.21

    • Machining & Laser Processing
      The Importance of Metal Fabrication in the Innovation of Medical Devices

      The Importance of Metal Fabrication in the Innovation of Medical Devices

      How metal fabrication powered by CNC machines has come to the rescue of the innovation of medical devices.
      Peter Jacobs, senior director of marketing at CNC Masters 08.17.21


    • Greg Cebular Named as President of Mack Prototype

      Greg Cebular Named as President of Mack Prototype

      Cebular brings 18 years of advanced manufacturing and leadership experience to the company.
      Mack Molding 08.02.21

    • 3D/Additive Manufacturing | Software & IT
      3D Systems Sells Simbionix to Surgical Sciences for $305M

      3D Systems Sells Simbionix to Surgical Sciences for $305M

      Divestiture results from company’s singular focus on additive manufacturing.
      3D Systems 07.29.21


      Trending
      • 5 Ways Plastics Revolutionized The Healthcare Industry | Medical Product Outsourcing
      • Philips Recalls CPAP, BiPAP Over Debris And Chemical Exposure Risk | Medical Product Outsourcing
      • ASSURE Touts Positive Clinical Results For Its Wearable Cardioverter Defibrillator | Medical Product Outsourcing
      • Smart LED Contact Lens Diagnoses Diabetes & Treats Retinopathy | Medical Product Outsourcing
      • FDA Clears Innovia Medical's Sterizone VP4 Sterilization Process | Medical Product Outsourcing
      Breaking News
      • Iterative Scopes Expands its Senior Leadership Team
      • Viz.ai Raises $100 Million in Series D Funding
      • FDA Clears Arterys' AI Mapping and Quantification Tools
      • Prometheus Group Sued Over Reused Catheters and Rectal Sensors
      • VenoStent's SelfWrap Bioabsorbable Perivascular Wrap Earns Breakthrough Status
      View Breaking News >
      CURRENT ISSUE

      May 2022

      • Cybersecurity Challenges Leave Medical Device Makers Insecure
      • Contract Design for Medtech
      • Diabetes Medical Device Technology Update
      • Medtech Full-Service Outsourcing Q&A 2022

      Cookies help us to provide you with an excellent service. By using our website, you declare yourself in agreement with our use of cookies.
      You can obtain detailed information about the use of cookies on our website by clicking on "More information”.

      • About Us
      • Privacy Policy
      • Terms And Conditions
      • Contact Us

      follow us

      Subscribe
      Nutraceuticals World

      Latest Breaking News From Nutraceuticals World

      GOED Creates Infographic Highlighting Omega-3 Health Claims Approved in Europe
      Kyowa Hakko Appoints Dr. Colin Hill to Immuse Scientific Advisory Board
      Expert Consensus Statement: Diet is Best Primary Intervention to Achieve Diabetes Remission
      Coatings World

      Latest Breaking News From Coatings World

      Teknos Receives EcoVadis Gold Medal for Sustainability Performance
      AkzoNobel and Partners Team Up to Hack Carbon Reduction Challenges
      Five PPG Facilities in Ohio Recognized for Sustainability, Health, Safety Practices
      Medical Product Outsourcing

      Latest Breaking News From Medical Product Outsourcing

      Iterative Scopes Expands its Senior Leadership Team
      Viz.ai Raises $100 Million in Series D Funding
      FDA Clears Arterys' AI Mapping and Quantification Tools
      Contract Pharma

      Latest Breaking News From Contract Pharma

      Piramal Pharma Solutions New API Plant in Canada Now Online
      MG America Appoints Claudio Radossi as President
      Catalent Invests $175M to Expand Mfg. Capabilities at Winchester, KY
      Beauty Packaging

      Latest Breaking News From Beauty Packaging

      Authentic Beauty Concept Launches Second-Generation ‘Refill Bar’
      HASK Beauty Enters Exclusive Partnership with Amazon
      Garance Doré Launches Made in France Skincare Line
      Happi

      Latest Breaking News From Happi

      SPF Setting Spray, Lip Contour and Knotless Braids Are Hot Trends: Spate
      Nutrafol Launches Collagen Infusion
      ÄZ Craft Luxury Haircare Products Support All Hairstyles
      Ink World

      Latest Breaking News From Ink World

      Nazdar Celebrates 100 Years with a New Look
      hubergroup Chemicals Exhibits at Paint India for First Time
      Award for Sustainability: Evonik Receives Platinum Rating Again
      Label & Narrow Web

      Latest Breaking News From Label & Narrow Web

      Specialty announces move to new facility
      Mark Andy hosts dealer's open house in Warsaw
      Nazdar celebrates 100th anniversary with refreshed brand identity
      Nonwovens Industry

      Latest Breaking News From Nonwovens Industry

      3M to Expand in Nebraska
      Nicely Offers Nonwoven Slitters, Winders
      'Right' Hygiene Conference to be Held in June
      Orthopedic Design & Technology

      Latest Breaking News From Orthopedic Design & Technology

      FDA Clears Anika Therapeutics' X-Twist Knotless Fixation System
      Paragon 28 Rolls Out TenoTac 2.0 Hammertoe and Soft Tissue Repair
      Cionic Expands Scientific Advisory Board
      Printed Electronics Now

      Latest Breaking News From Printed Electronics Now

      Evonik Launches New Processing Aids for PV Wafer Cutting
      NREL Creates Highest Efficiency 1-Sun Solar Cell
      eMagin Wins People’s Choice Award at Display Week 2022

      Copyright © 2022 Rodman Media. All rights reserved. Use of this constitutes acceptance of our privacy policy The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Rodman Media.

      AD BLOCKER DETECTED

      Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors.
      Please consider supporting us by disabling your ad blocker.


      FREE SUBSCRIPTION Already a subscriber? Login