Researchers print mini heart made of human tissue

Israeli researchers have created a 3-D printer, a mini heart from human tissues. The prototype, whose cells are not, however, synchronously, it has the Size of a rabbit heart.

The heart was vessels from tissue and blood, and have chambers, said study leader Tal Dvir of Tel Aviv University on Monday in front of journalists. It is comparable with the heart of a human fetus. The researchers present their development in the journal "Advanced Science".

"We found by biopsy tissue of a patient fat," explained the Biotechnologist Dvir the process. Then cellular and non-cellular components were separated. "The fat cells are reprogrammed to become stem cells, these differentiate themselves, in turn, in cardiac cells, endothelial cells and others."

The extra-cellular Material, such as structural proteins, have been processed accordingly, hydrogels, which were then mixed with different cell types. From this "Bio-inks" produced the 3-D printer, then the Mini-heart.

Guaranteed no rejection

"The heart is completely compatible with the patient, because it is created from his own tissue, and is therefore unlikely to lead to any Immune response," said Dvir. "It is the first Time that a heart cell tissue, and blood vessels has been printed." In similar experiments, only synthetic materials or other natural fabric has been used.

the researchers Now want to leave the prototype in a special bioreactor to Mature. Within a year, such a heart will be tested in animal experiments in rabbits or rats. Up to a possible clinical use in humans, it takes many years, said Dvir.

(mac/afp)

Created: 15.04.2019, 13:42 Uhr