THE WORLD’S FIRST 3D PRINTED ORGAN

Organovo makes it possible

Organovo is a 3D bioprinting company based in San Diego, and they are the ambitious people planning on producing the world’s first 3D printed organ this year. Their tissue of choice? The liver.

Researchers were able to print a small scale model of the organ complete with the vascular system necessary to keep the liver tissue alive. This achievement posed the greatest challenge: integrating the complex vascular architecture within the more straightforward liver print job. Without the vascular network, the organ is not vital; overcoming this roadblock is the major accomplishment which should allow for the project’s success.

The 3D bioprinted, living liver will be the subject of laboratory research for drug and medical studies; clinical applications, however, are still far off.