For the first time in history, scientists from the Tel Aviv University (Israel) created a heart from human tissues using a 3D printer, according to the university press service.
The printed heart can perform all necessary functions; however, it is not suitable for a human. It is only the size of a berry and could fit a small animal like a rabbit. Nevertheless, it means that in the future it will become possible to print human hearts and forget about organ donation.
“For the first time in the world, scientists solved one of the main tasks for modern medicine. Using a 3D printer they printed a whole and functional heart from human tissues,” the organization reports. “This research is a step towards the medicine of the future. Patients will no longer have to wait for transplants and take medication to prevent rejection. All necessary organs, tailored for a specific patient, will be printed right there in hospitals.”
The materials used for printing included human fat and stem cells transformed into the cells of a cardiovascular muscle. The cells were also mixed with connective tissue. The combination was turned into a heart.
Scientists will try to transplant printed hearts to small animals (rabbits and rats). First human hearts may be printed in about ten years, the experts promise.