This tiny robot could 3D print inside your body to make repairs and fight cancer

Scientists in Australia have developed a small versatile robotic that might 3D print biomaterials straight contained in the human physique to restore broken organs, tissues and blood vessels.

This could possibly be a game-changer as the present course of of making biomaterials exterior the physique after which counting on surgical procedure to insert them can result in excessive blood loss and infections.

"At the moment, no commercially accessible know-how can carry out direct 3D printing contained in the human physique," mentioned Dr Thanh Nho Do, Director of the College of New South Wales Medical Robotics Lab.

Solely 11-13mm broad and made of soppy supplies reminiscent of silicone elastomer, the robotic is sufficiently small to be inserted into the mouth or the anus - like an endoscopic instrument - which would scale back the necessity for invasive surgical procedure, he mentioned.

The experimental machine, named F3DB, prints tissue-like buildings utilizing “bio-ink” and residing cells which then fuse naturally with the human physique.

The biomedical engineers behind it say nearly all of cells stayed alive after being printed and continued to develop over the next week. 4 instances as many cells have been noticed seven days after printing.

The mini 3D printer incorporates a three-axis printing head that may bend and twist utilizing hydraulics on the tip of a tender robotic arm.

It may possibly print pre-programmed shapes or might be operated manually.

The tiny robotic may act as an all-in-one endoscopic instrument as its printing nozzle might be altered to behave as a scalpel and water jet.

For instance, practitioners might use the scalpel to take away cancerous tumours, after which use the water jet to wash the lesion earlier than bioprinting straight onto the wound to hurry up the therapeutic course of.

The analysis crew believes that F3DB is on monitor for commercialisation within the subsequent 5 to seven years, pending additional medical trials.

For extra on this story, watch the video within the media participant above.