3D Systems reports a breakthrough in 3D printing of scaffolds for regenerating adipose tissue, among other things. This can be an outcome in breast reconstruction in women with breast cancer. That is why 3D Systems is starting the Regenerative Tissue Program. Within this program, surgeons can collaborate with 3D System engineers to develop patient-specific scaffolds.
3D Systems attributes the breakthrough to the combination of high resolution 3D bioprinting technology, biocompatible 3D printing materials and advanced 3D modeling technology. This makes it possible to regenerate patient-specific living human tissue using cells from patients.
Intermediate step towards 3D printing for human organs
Significant impact on healthcare
This results in a regenerative scaffold that mimics the patient’s anatomy and physiology and contributes to better surgical outcomes. “The level of innovation achieved enables us to deliver an unparalleled level of complexity and precision,” said Jeffrey Graves, president and CEO of 3D Systems. The American company is taking major steps towards 3D printing for human organs, such as the lung, liver and kidney. The step it is now taking is towards the development of patient-specific human tissues. “These might radically change the way patient care is provided.”
Alternative to breast reconstructions
The program uses 3D Systems surgical planning software to design the patient-specific scaffolds. Over the past ten years, the company has developed solutions for more than 150,000 patient-specific cases with this software and the 3D printing technology. It has also printed more than 2 million implants and instruments for CE and FDA-approved devices. The first target group the program focuses on is women undergoing breast reconstruction following being treated for breast cancer. The two current treatments are breast implant placement or the use of autologous tissue, which comes from the woman’s own tissue. Both are prone to postoperative complications and often require additional procedures. The 3D printing of a scaffold with the patient’s own fat cells prevents this.
Proof of concept
For the past year, 3D Systems has been researching the development of a tissue regeneration platform. This includes the completion of multiple large animal studies demonstrating proof-of-concept for biointegrative scaffolds for adipose tissue regeneration. In particular, the company is investigating a method of growing new blood vessels. In addition, the studies have shown that a scaffold connected to the circulatory system can enter into a direct vascular connection. The scaffolds are being fabricated on a human scale from a family of biocompatible materials with tunable material properties, which the company says will be able to address and personalize breast-sized tissue reconstructions.
