Having been over 50 years since the first human organ was successfully transplanted, a team of scientists in Gothenburg, Sweden are trying to solve the vast shortage of donor organs by using 3D printing to replicate human organs.
The possible future of 3D printing human organs will rule out living or dead organ donors as the only means necessary for organ transplants.
Speaking in an interview, Itedale Namro Redwan, the Chief Scientific Officer at Cellink, enunciated that the aim of the company is to mass grow organs in laboratories using a 3D printer. There is hope that this technology could eventually help generate organs for those needing transplants.
Scientific researchers are currently attempting to treat patients with muscular problems with the 3D bioprinted cartilage.
According to Itedale Redwan, ” Many people die waiting in line for organ transplants, so we are hoping that this technology in the future will actually be able to provide these organs”.
She speculated that in about 15-20 years to come, the world may see these 3D bioprinted full and internal organs in clinics, although simpler organs can be seen very soon.
Also giving a testimony on having undergone a liver transplant, Morna Thorburn said “If we are able to do away with the tedious process of waiting to receive an organ and home grow our own to the perfect fit, it will be life changing for thousands of people”.
Although there is quite a long road ahead of laboratory grown organs, the simpler successful and already existing procedures, from skin cells to mending muscles look promising towards cutting the queue to life saving operations.
-Human Organ Transplants
Author-Roberta Appiah
