3D-Printed Ears Are Now a Reality in China

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By Vignesh Ramachandran2013-08-15 02:06:58 UTC

In the market for a new ear? You're in luck.

Researchers in China are reportedly using a special 3D printer to print an ear cartilage sample made from real tissue.

Researchers at Hangzhou Dianzi University invented a 3D tissue printer named Regenovo, according to 3D Printer World . As explained in the video above, the printer can produce an ear cartilage sample (four to five inches in length) or a liver sample in less than an hour.

See also: 10 Bioengineered Body Parts That Could Change Medicine

About 90% of these printed cells have survived and stayed alive for as long as four months.

While specific details about the process remain known, the Chinese researchers told 3D Printer World that fully-functioning printed organs could be a reality in the next decade or two.

Similar bioengineered body parts are being developed all over the world.

In May, Mashable featured a 3D-printed bionic ear developed at Princeton University in the United States. In this instance, Princeton researchers used an off-the-shelf 3D printer. In February, we watched Cornell University researchers use living cells to 3D-print outer ears.

What do you think about the medical potential for 3D-printed organs and tissues? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Image: Xinhua/Xu Yu via www.news.cn

Topics: 3D printers, 3D printing, biology, Health & Fitness, medical technology, medicine, Newsy, Tech