Scientists say that 3D printing can create stem cells.
Stem cells can now be produced using a form of 3D printing technology. (1,1,1)
Developed by scientists from Heriot Watt University in Edinburgh, Scotland(1,8,1) the 3D printing technology is capable of making embryonic stem cells that can differentiate into any other kind of cell in the human body. (2,9,1)
3D printing has been used in various different industries, (2,1,1) but this is the first time that a human embryonic stem cell has been created this way.
According to BBC News, Jason King, business development manager of stem cell biotech company Roslin Cellab, which took part in the research, (1,15,1) said: "This is a scientific development which we…believe will have immensely valuable long-term implications for reliable, animal-free, drug testing, and, in the longer term, to provide organs for transplant on demand, without the need for donation and without the problems of immune suppression and potential organ rejection."
The 3D printers make dots containing up to five stem cells from cultures that are floating in a bio ink.
The printing process did not appear to damage the cells as researchers found that 99 percent of the cells remained usable.
What do you think? Is this kind of stem cell technology development a step in the right direction?
