Recently, the University of Wollongong in Australia has unveiled a groundbreaking biological 3D printer that could transform the treatment of type 1 diabetes patients. This advanced device is designed to deposit a specialized bioink—containing insulin-producing islet cells—into a 3D-printed stent structure. This innovative approach aims to enhance the traditional method of implanting islet cells from human donors, offering a more effective and safer solution for patients.
The new system, called the Islet Cell Transplant (PICT) Biological 3D Printer, was recently presented to South Australian Health Minister Peter Malinauskas, who then passed it on to the Royal Adelaide Hospital (RAH) for implementation. As a result, RAH has become the first hospital in Australia—and possibly the world—to adopt this cutting-edge technology for diabetes treatment.
According to the University of Wollongong, the PICT printer allows medical professionals to precisely place bioink into a portable 3D-printed scaffold. This process not only improves the current transplant techniques but also reduces the risk of immune rejection, which is a major challenge in islet cell transplants.
Professor Toby Coates from the Royal Adelaide Hospital explained, “The PICT printer will enable us to create custom tissues by combining donor and recipient cells in a unique three-dimensional format. This could lead to the development of entirely new composite tissues for experimental transplantation.â€
Islet cells from the pancreas are crucial for regulating blood sugar levels in diabetic patients. However, traditional transplants often face the risk of the body rejecting the foreign cells. With the PICT bioprinter, engineers can now design stents that integrate both donor and patient cells, increasing the chances of successful implantation.
Additionally, the printer’s ability to handle multiple cell types means that the stent can include endothelial cells, which help in forming blood vessels around the transplanted islets. This vascularization enhances the survival and function of the implanted cells.
The PICT bioprinter at RAH is being utilized by the ARC Centre of Excellence in Electronic Science (ACES), led by Professor Gordon Wallace. The project has received funding through the Australian Research Council’s LIEF program, supporting further advancements in medical 3D printing.
“We have established a strong clinical research network that helps us tackle major health challenges using biological 3D printing,†said Professor Wallace. “We’re working with Professor Toby Coates to improve islet cell transplantation by encapsulating the cells in 3D-printed structures, protecting them during and after the procedure.â€
In addition, the University of Wollongong recently secured A$347,000 in funding from the Australian Research Council to build a state-of-the-art biological 3D printing facility, further solidifying its position as a leader in this transformative field.
Planar Beam Load Cells
Planar Beam Load Cells,Stainless Steel Load Cell,Stainless Steel Pressure Sensor,Stainless Steel Sensor Load Cells
Xiaogan Yueneng Electronic Technology Co., Ltd. , https://www.xgsensor.com