While a printed organ in the form of a heart has not technically been created, this 3D-printed chip is the first of its kind and boasts similar functions.
Named the "Heart on a Chip" by researchers at Harvard University, the printed organ comes in the form of a "synthetic material designed to mimic the structure and function of native tissue." The chip is able to collect data about the human heart and how effectively it is beating. The purpose of the printed organ is to improve health-related research in a way that is more reliable and comprehensive. In the future, it has the potential to "rapidly design organs on chips to match specific disease properties."
This game-changing medical device could change the future of research in various medical fields.
Heart-Tracking Printed Organs
Harvard University Has Created the First 3D-Printed Heart
Trend Themes
1. 3d-printed Organs - This trend presents an opportunity to revolutionize healthcare by developing customized organs for patients.
2. Organ-on-a-chip Technology - This trend opens up possibilities for more accurate and efficient drug testing and research.
3. Health-related Research - This trend creates new avenues for gathering precise data and insights in the field of medical research.
Industry Implications
1. Medical Device Manufacturing - The medical device manufacturing industry can explore disruptive innovation opportunities by incorporating 3D-printing technology to develop organs and organ-on-a-chip devices.
2. Pharmaceuticals - The pharmaceutical industry can leverage organ-on-a-chip technology to enhance drug discovery and testing processes, leading to more efficient and effective treatments.
3. Biotechnology - The biotechnology industry can utilize 3D-printing and organ-on-a-chip advancements to improve the development and testing of bioengineered tissues and therapies.