Cellink, Bio printing, and the Future of Modern Medicine
The Current and Past Standings of 3D-Printing
The often publicized technology of 3D-printing is most commonly connected to intuitive engineering solutions, but it is rarely shown to be the next step in global medical innovation.
Without prior knowledge, one might argue that this prolonged dream cannot be reached with current 3D-printing infrastructure. For the most, part these critics are correct. With most machines these intuitive solutions are not able to be reached. Often these machines cost far too much and the companies looking to further this innovation are not well funded. In addition to this, research in the field has been lacking. Large medical firms aren’t willing to take the liability of testing on patients. And patients themselves aren’t willing to risk internal safety for the possible benefit of an emerging technology. Companies understand the risk faced when trying to enter into a market such as 3D bio printing, and only a handful of companies have come close to reaching this long sought after goal, with only minor degrees of success.
This pre-defined impediment has slowed innovation for many of these companies.
Cellink, based in Boston, has been driven to challenge this very ideal.
What is Bioprinting Anyway?
Well, a common, and universal formal description sounds something like this: bio printing is an alternative manufacturing process where biomaterials such as cells and unique pieces of human genome are combined to create tissue-like structures that imitate natural organs.
Bio printing is an alternative manufacturing process where biomaterials such as cells and unique pieces of human genome are combined to create tissue-like structures that imitate natural organs.
The process by which scientists create these mimicking organs is unique to the patient and the specific organ being created. In order to produce a functional organ, the specific mixture you place into the printer (known as bio ink) must be optimized for that given purpose. For instance, you cannot use a universal solution to solve and create all human organs.
Now that we are all caught up, lets continue.
History and Description of Cellink
Founded officially in January of 2016 , Cellink has been driving the innovation in the space of bioprinting, and the results of their research have been astounding (see some of their work here).
The basic principle behind the company’s advancement is quite simple: produce world class bio printers for medical and research institutions, and internally facilitate development through company-led research. By combining unique cells and biomaterials into a liquid form, the company is able to layer the fluid repeatedly in order to form vital objects present in the human body. The company’s most recent piece of media attention, for instance, has been in the creation of a partially functional, 3D-printed cornea.
The Story Behind the 3D-Printed Cornea
Research from Newcastle University has resulted in the creation of the world’s first 3D-printed cornea.
Despite the true significance of advancement in this domain, critics may often claim that there’s a tremendous lack of application in creating something like a surplus of corneas. However, this could not be further from the truth.
Corneal transplantation is one of the most necessary, yet unpracticed procedures. The loss of corneal function often results in blindness, and in many patients, additional disorders. The transplant of the cornea itself, similar to other forms of transplantation, is a highly expensive and rare procedure. These two factors are the direct result of a lack of corneal donors, and that of corneas themselves in hospital-like settings. What this reallocation of biomaterial will push fourth is the ability to produce a surplus of corneas, valid for patient transplant and essentially the elimination of patient struggles in this domain.
Cool. What’s Next?
As highlighted throughout this article, medical bioprinting is the future of global medicine. The ease of its manufacturing allows for the creation of additional, necessary organs to take on a role of further efficiency. We as a society have never faced such greater medical and physiological turmoil. With the declining of global, physical and environmental health, the reallocation of resources will be critical in the success and development of the human race. Imagine a world where patients would no longer suffer from the agony of waiting for a life-saving transplant in order to live another day. Where dead muscle and tissue could be reused as fluid to produce a vibrant and living organ through on-demand 3D bioprinting. This is the future I envision. This is the future I hope for. This is the future 3D bioprinting will make possible. I am excited to see it through.
