Gelatin "ink" can print human tissue in 3D

The Fraunhofer Institute for Interface Engineering and Biotechnology in Germany recently published a statement that they chemically treated gelatin to make it an "ink" for printing human tissue. Gelatin is a water-soluble protein extracted from collagen, which is the main component of human tissue.

The biological "ink" made of gelatin can remain in a liquid state during printing, rather than being gelatinous. After UV exposure, the molecules of this biological "ink" cross-fused to form a hydrogel. This hydrogel polymer contains a lot of water, just like real human tissue. When the temperature rises to 37 degrees Celsius, it can remain stable in the aqueous environment.

By controlling the chemical "ink" chemical treatment process, the gel can also be made to have different strengths and swells, making it look like harder cartilage tissue or soft adipose tissue.

Currently, the biggest challenge facing the medical community is to generate tissue with a network of blood vessels. Once you have your own vascular system, 3D printed tissue can be self-sufficiently nutritious. The researchers said they hope to make a breakthrough in this area soon.