3D printed biomaterial

Scientists from North-western University have discovered a new biomaterial that mimics the brain tissue and can be made by 3D printing.

Context

Scientists from North-western University have discovered a new biomaterial that mimics the brain tissue and can be made by 3D printing.

3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is a process by which physical objects are created by depositing materials in layers based on a digital model.

Biomaterials may be natural or synthetic and are used in medical applications to support, enhance, or replace damaged tissue or a biological function
The first historical use of biomaterials dates to antiquity, when ancient Egyptians used sutures made from animal sinew
Metals, ceramics, plastic, glass, and even living cells and tissue all can be used in creating a biomaterial.

Medical implants: heart valves, stents, and grafts; artificial joints, ligaments, and tendons; hearing loss implants; dental implants
Methods to promote healing of human tissues: including sutures, clips, and staples for wound closure, and dissolvable dressings.
Regenerated human tissues: using a combination of biomaterial supports or scaffolds, cells, and bioactive molecules. Examples include a bone regenerating hydrogel and a lab-grown human bladder.
Biosensorsto detect the presence and amount of specific substances and to transmit that data. Examples are blood glucose monitoring devices and brain activity sensors.
Drug-delivery systemsthat carry and/or apply drugs to a disease target. Examples include drug-coated vascular stents and implantable chemotherapy wafers for cancer patients.

This can treat neurodegenerative diseaseor brain and spinal cord injuries by transplanting the brain or other tissues.