More science than fiction: 3D-printing implants
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3D printing could enable us to produce personalised implants and organs in the future. Using biopolymers to 3D print scaffolds could help us grow organic tissues correctly.
A 'scaffold' essentially acts as a kind of mould or template for tissue formation in the body. However, such a template must meet a number of requirements. For instance, it should not interfere with the function of the organ or implant. For tissues that need to be flexible (e.g. skin, cartilage), a rigid scaffold may interfere with this function, requiring it to be removed before being inserted into the patient. Biodegradable polymers offer opportunities for this. 'Bioplastics' are enzymatically degradable in a tissue-friendly manner, without the use of harmful chemicals.
The biopolymers chosen for this project, polyhydroxybutyrates (PHBs), are non-toxic, biocompatible, natural compounds that can be enzymatically degraded. PHBs are produced by bacteria as a form of reserve energy and have the right properties for applications in tissue culture. Some such polymers have previously been approved for use in medical applications and implants.
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