Israeli scientists make 3D print of heart, in world’s first

In what is the world’s first, researchers at Tel Aviv University in Israel have managed to 3D print a heart using a patient’s cells and biological materials.

The Researchers detailed their breakthrough this week in the journal Advanced Science, reports UPI.

Scientists have previously built synthetic hearts and bio-engineered tissues using a patient’s cells. But the latest feat is the first time scientists have created a complex organ with biological materials.

“This is the first time anyone anywhere has successfully engineered and printed an entire heart replete with cells, blood vessels, ventricles and chambers,” lead researcher Tal Dvir, a material scientist and professor of molecular cell biology at TAU, said in a news release.

The proof-of-concept feat could pave the way for a new type of organ transplant. For patients with late stage heart failure, a heart transplant is the only solution. But there is a lack of heart donors.

“This heart is made from human cells and patient-specific biological materials. In our process these materials serve as the bio-inks, substances made of sugars and proteins that can be used for 3D printing of complex tissue models,” Dvir said. 

“Our results demonstrate the potential of our approach for engineering personalised tissue and organ replacement in the future.”

The heart scientists printed couldn’t be used in a human transplant operation. 

Though completely vascularized, it’s too small at about the size of a rabbit heart.

“But larger human hearts require the same technology.” Dvir said.