Recently, the University of Wollongong in Australia has unveiled a groundbreaking biological 3D printer that could transform the treatment of type 1 diabetes. This advanced device is designed to deposit a unique bioink—containing insulin-producing islet cells—into a 3D-printed stent structure. The innovation aims to enhance the traditional method of transplanting islet cells from human donors, offering a more effective and personalized approach for patients.
The printer, called the Islet Cell Transplant (PICT) Biological 3D Printer, was recently presented to South Australia’s Minister of Health, Peter Malinauskas, who then forwarded it to the Royal Adelaide Hospital (RAH). This marks RAH as the first hospital in Australia—and potentially the world—to adopt this cutting-edge technology for diabetes treatment.
According to the University of Wollongong, the PICT printer allows for precise placement of bioink into a customizable stent, improving the integration of transplanted cells. This method is expected to reduce the risk of immune rejection, which is a major challenge in current islet cell transplantation procedures.
Professor Toby Coates from RAH explained that the PICT printer enables the creation of custom tissues by combining donor and recipient cells in a three-dimensional format, paving the way for new experimental transplantations. This could lead to better outcomes for patients with severe type 1 diabetes.
The process involves using pancreatic donor cells to help patients regain their ability to produce insulin. However, the body often rejects foreign cells. With the PICT printer, medical engineers can now print stents that include both donor and recipient cells, promoting better integration and reducing rejection risks. Additionally, the printer can incorporate endothelial cells, helping to vascularize the transplanted islets and improve their survival.
The PICT bioprinter at RAH is being used by the ARC Centre of Excellence in Electronic Science (ACES), led by Professor Gordon Wallace. Thanks to funding from the Australian Research Council's LIEF program, ACES is working to advance the use of biological 3D printers in medical applications.
Professor Wallace emphasized the importance of collaboration between academia and clinical settings, stating that the ACES team is developing practical solutions through 3D bioprinting. He also mentioned ongoing efforts with Professor Coates to improve islet cell transplantation by encapsulating the cells within 3D-printed structures, offering protection during and after the procedure.
To further support this research, the University of Wollongong recently received A$347,000 from the Australian Research Council to establish a state-of-the-art biological 3D printing facility. This investment underscores the growing potential of 3D bioprinting in revolutionizing diabetes care and other medical fields.
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