1. 3D Organ Printing Technology
Imran Khan
Post-Graduate Student
Department of Burn Reconstruction
First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University
2. Introduction
3D bio-printing is the process of creating cell patterns
in a confined space using 3D printing technologies,
where cell function and viability are preserved within
the printed construct.
Generally, 3D bio-printing utilizes the layer-by-layer
method to create tissue-like structures that are later
used in medical and tissue engineering fields.
3. History & Recent situations
• The first patent related to this technology was filed in
the United States in 2003 and granted in 2006.
• 2006- World’s first artificial bladder was built in a
laboratory by 3D printing and transplantation done on
7 patients
• 2009- Artificial liver was made by 3d printing.
• 2011- World’s first artificial trachea built by Bio-
printing.
• 2011- In situ skin Bio-printing for burn wound was
done.
• 2015- Partnership between Organovo and L’Oreal for
Commercial production of artificial skin using bio-
printing technology.
5. Process
3D bio-printing generally follows three steps, pre-bioprinting,bio-
printing,and post bioprinting.
Pre-bioprinting: Pre-
bioprinting is the process of
creating a model that the
printer will later create and
choosing the materials that
will be used. One of the first
steps is to obtain a biopsy of
the organ.
Bioprinting: In the second
step, the liquid mixture of
cells and nutrients are
placed in a printer cartridge
and structured using the
patients' medical scans.
6. Contd…
Post-bioprinting: The post-bioprinting process is
necessary to create a stable structure from the
biological material. If this process is not well-
maintained, the mechanical integrity and function of
the 3D printed object is at risk.
10. Applications
Organovo, an "early-stage regenerative medicine
company", was the first company to commercialize 3D
bio-printing technology. The company utilizes its
NovoGen MMX Bioprinter for 3D bioprinting. The
printer is optimized to be able to print skin tissue,
heart tissue, and blood vessels among other basic
tissues that could be suitable for surgical therapy and
transplantation. Bio-printing technology will
eventually be used to create fully functional human
organs for transplants and drug research, which will
allow for more effective organ transplants and safer
more effective drugs.