The evolving world of technology brings about unique innovations that consistently better the world. The increased use of additive manufacturing, or three-dimensional (3D) printing, created the new concept of printed artificial organs. This new development has the ability to dramatically revolutionize the medical world.

3D printing uses digital models to create a physical object by layering thin surfaces. These layers can be a variety of materials, including biocompatible materials. This creates the possibility for artificial human tissue or bioprinting. Recent medical advancements developed functional human organs available for transplants.

The engineering of biocompatible material into the 3D printing process enables researchers to create organs suitable for transplants, such as skin, vascular grafts and bones. Researchers harvest human cells from biopsies and allow them to multiply in petri dishes. This “biological ink” serves as a base for bioprinted organs. For example, researchers at Princeton University developed an outer ear with 3D printing. They used numerous materials, including hydrogel and silver nanoparticles, for structure and living cells that eventually grow to form cartilage. These materials mimic the key aspects of the living cells in the human body.

Charles Hull invented 3D printing or “stereolithography” in the 1980s; however, research on 3D printed organs has only been around since the early 2000s. The beginning of organ printing started with the advancement of small artificial sheets of tissues. With increasing interest and research, scientists have been creating more and more fully functional and complete artificial organs. Current research is focused on the heart, kidneys and liver, which are the most common organs for transplants.

Slowly, the use of these organs is becoming available to general patients. According to CNN Health in October, the new 3D printer in Miami, Florida’s Nicklaus Children’s Hospital has already been put into good use. Mia Gonzales was a four year old deprived of her childhood due to various respiratory complications. Her aorta was malfunctioned and put pressure onto her trachea, or windpipe making breathing difficult for Gonzales. She needed a new aorta. This would have been difficult due to the age and medical issues Gonzales has, but with the use of the 3D printer, the surgery proved to be easier and quicker. Gonzales’ artificial heart was created with the assistance of  Computer Tomography (CT) Scans and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans of her heart. An artificial aorta was used and Gonzales now has the opportunity to live like an healthy child.

With the development of these printed organs comes immense benefits in the medical world. Generally, transplant organs can take up to years to receive. Organs are usually a vital component of the human body. Therefore, to wait years for one is not only inconvenient but potentially fatal. Printed organs provide convenience by reducing the wait time and accuracy in order to eliminate any imperfections in a transplant organ.