3D printing is not at all new in the University Medical Center Utrecht. Using the latest Bioprinter, this research lab under Jos Malda has completed a test with a 3D bioprinted rabbit shoulder implant, among other things. But that may just be one of the many products that the lab can offer as it has just become a promising 3D printing medical hub of the future.
Collaborating with UMC Utrecht are the Hogeschool Utrecht and the ProtoSpace Foundation to produce more 3D-printed products in the field of medicine. The merger is eyed towards making 3D-printed organs a reality, by combining artificial materials and biomedical materials such as collagen and gelatin to build new implantable organs.
Bioprinter Technology (Source: Line Shape Space)
One researcher from the team said, “The advantage of 3D bioprinting is that you can make a new knee to fit perfectly – without waiting for a donor.” He adds, “A skull transplant that took place in the UMC Utrecht two years ago is a good example. A young woman was given a new, custom-fitting carbon fiber skull – the first time such a surgery was performed.”
The engineering portion of 3D bioprinting will be taken care of by the Hogeschool Utrecht, being a technical college; while the biomedical expertise will be given by UMC Utrecht. The various 3D printing technologies will be by ProtoSpace.
Bioprinter Technology (Source: Popular Science)
