Bioprinting is not the only way to manufacture an organ. Bioprinting may not even be the best way, however it is starting to seem that way due to its speed, ease of use, and accuracy. The results are equal to other methods, and the technology may allow for a bettering of those results.
the 3 Methods:
1. Host Growth- This method uses stem cells which are transplanted into another organism. The organism acts as a host to the cells while they grow and mature, and then the organ is removed. Mini human kidneys were grown inside a mouse using this technique, though I don't know who would need mini kidneys! The results is a properly functioning organ, however it takes many months to grow.
2. Layer-by-layer placement- unlike printing, this method places each cell one layer at a time. It must allow each layer to grow on its own before combination of layers are attached. Also a timely process.
3. bioprinting- This is the method that will be discussed thoroughly. It uses modern day ink-jet printers, modified to lay down cells. These cells are then grown in a gel scaffold and the result is a fully formed organ, true to size, and within a couple weeks.
3 Methods to Bioengineering
