Originally published on September 18, 2013
Scientists plan to develop miniature human organs using 3D printing to trial vaccines, the BBC reported.
The BBC reports that, "The "body on a chip" project replicates human cells to print structures which mimic the functions of the heart, liver, lung and blood vessels. The organs are then placed on a microchip and connected with a blood substitute, allowing scientists to closely monitor specific treatments."
While 3D printing of organs is not new, the tests being carried out at the Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine in North Carolina are the first to combine several organs on the same device, which then model the human response to chemical toxins or biologic agents.
The miniature human organs created in the 3D printing process are about the size of a cookie. Sensors are connected to the organ network to minute reactions.
The BBC reported that "the tests being carried out at Wake Forest "would significantly decrease the time and cost needed to develop medical countermeasures" for bioterrorism attacks, said Dr Clint Florence, acting branch chief of vaccines within the Translational Medical Division at DTRA.
Wake Forest said it was able to test for antidotes to sarin gas, recently used against civilians in Syria."
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