surgeons 3D print stem cells and repair bone with biopen

surgeons 3D print stem cells and repair bone with biopen
image © university of wollongong

researchers from the university of wollongong‘s australian research council centre of excellence for electromaterials science have developed a handheld ‘biopen’, providing doctors with a platform to design customized implants on-site and at the time of surgery. the ‘biopen’ works similar to 3D printing methods by delivering cell material inside a biopolymer such as a seaweed extract, protected by a second outer layer of gel material. it works when two layers of gel are combined in the pen head, extruding onto the bone surface. the surgeon then ‘draws’ with the ink to fill in the damaged bone section.

the biopen will help build on recent work by ACES researchers where they were able to grow new knee cartilage from stem cells on 3D-printed scaffolds to treat cancers, osteoarthritis and traumatic injury. the device can also be seeded with growth factors or other drugs to assist regrowth and recovery from sporting or motor vehicle injuries.

BioPen to rewrite orthopaedic implant surgery
video courtesy ACESElectromaterials

the handheld bio pen will allow surgeons to design customized implants during surgery