Imagine a world where artificial tissues can be printed on demand, revolutionizing medical research and treatment. This vision is becoming a reality with the development of an innovative, low-cost, open-source 3D bioprinter by Brazil's Oswaldo Cruz Institute (IOC/Fiocruz) in collaboration with Veiga de Almeida University (UVA). Announced on October 11, 2024, this groundbreaking technology promises to significantly impact biomedical research, healthcare, and even the food industry.
Unlike conventional 3D printers that use plastics, this bioprinter utilizes a special bioink made from living cells suspended in a biopolymer hydrogel. According to Luiz Anastacio Alves, a lead researcher at IOC, this bioink mimics natural tissue environments, allowing for the creation of complex, three-dimensional structures that closely resemble biological tissues. “This technology enhances cell interaction, producing more accurate results than traditional 2D cell cultures,” he explains.
The project, funded by the Carlos Chagas Filho Foundation for Research Support in Rio de Janeiro, aims to develop and market these bioprinters. Anael Viana, a biomedical graduate from IOC, is spearheading this initiative under the Doctor Entrepreneur program, which encourages innovation in scientific research.
One of the most promising applications of this technology is in the production of artificial skin, which has already shown success in treating extensive burn injuries and testing new drugs and cosmetics. “Bioprinting has immense potential for creating study models to investigate complex biological mechanisms and conduct toxicological tests for new drugs, reducing the need for animal testing,” Viana states.
The market for bioprinting is rapidly expanding, currently valued at $1.5 billion and projected to reach $6 billion within five years. This growth underscores the importance of developing cost-effective bioprinting solutions domestically. “With innovation, Brazil can reduce its dependency on imported medical supplies and share this technology with lower-income countries,” Alves highlights.
At the core of this initiative is a commitment to open-source technology. The bioprinter was constructed using recycled materials and easily accessible electronic components, costing around $200. The researchers have made the construction process available online, allowing resource-limited research groups to access this advanced technology. “We demonstrated that cells in the bioink remained viable for over seven days after printing, which is sufficient for many experiments and medical procedures,” Alves notes.
As the project progresses, the team plans to enhance the bioprinter's capabilities, including developing a model with multiple extrusion heads to produce more complex tissues. “With a three-nozzle bioprinter, we can use different bioinks to create intricate structures, such as a mini pancreas,” Viana explains.
The Doctor Entrepreneur program spans two years, with plans to officially launch the new company within ten months and introduce the developed products by the end of the term. This initiative not only represents a significant advance in bioprinting technology but also highlights Brazil's potential as a leader in innovative medical solutions.