AMS 2024

3D Printed Esophagus Successfully Transplanted Into Rats

Electronics
Metal AM Markets
AMR Military

Share this Article

In the race to 3D print and transplant seemingly every part of the human body, the esophagus has been a particular challenge for scientists and doctors.

But a team of Japanese researchers has now successfully transplanted a 3D bioprinted esophagus into rats.

The esophagus, which was printed using Cyfuse’s bio 3D printing software Regenova, maintained its structure after the transplant and even grew to be covered by natural tissue.

These findings by the Nagasaki University-based group could mean big strides toward the first 3D-printed esophageal transplant (esophagectomy) in humans.

Why Esophageal Transplants Are So Complicated  

An esophagectomy is the main treatment for esophagus cancer. The operation involves removing all or part of the esophagus, then restructuring it using part of another organ (like the stomach or colon).

Tissue engineering/decellularization (Image: HIA)

However, this method can lead to multiple complications, such as acid reflux, abnormal narrowing of the esophagus, and dumping syndrome (when food moves too quickly from your stomach to the small intestine).

The materials used in these operations typically have low biocompatibility and are done via decellularization. This is when the intracellular parts of tissue are removed so all that remains is the exterior “skeleton” which can then be used in tissue regeneration and the creation of artificial organs.

While there is nothing wrong with this method and it’s been used in several successful esophageal-related studies, it does require using existing tissue. The benefit of the 3D printing technique is that the esophageal structure can be constructed using only cells.

New Technology For New Tubes

The Japanese team opted instead to print and install a scaffold-free and more tubular structure into their rats. The tube was made with a Regenova bio 3D printer using the Kenzan method. This process first assembles human cellular spheroids into the desired 3D shape. Then, the shape cultures in a bioreactor until the spheroids fuse together to achieve the appropriate strength and structure.

The Kenzan Method (Image: Phys.org)

After testing for strength and flexibility, they were then transplanted into five male adult rats. Each rat survived and their esophagi maintained their shape and structure with no signs of leakage or perforation even after being exposed to gastric juices after eating. More remarkably, after 30 days scientists couldn’t detect where the rats’ natural esophageal lining and the transplanted structure began, as it became completely engrafted with natural cells.

What’s Next?

Researchers cautioned in their conclusion that despite the encouraging results, their esophagi did not perform as well as natural ones. However, the possible benefits of these results extend far beyond your food tube.

While it’s still early, using 3D printed biological and scaffold-free structures could decrease the amount of complications that come with more traditional transplant methods. No longer would patients have to sacrifice part of one of their organs (or someone else’s) to have a healthier esophagus. In times of organ shortages, this technology would obviously be vital in saving lives.

The researchers stated in their conclusion that the next step will be longer post-transplant assessment periods as well as orthotopic esophagus transplantation into larger animals.

Transplantation of the structures. A. The surgical site of transplantation. B. The transplanted site at 30 days after transplantation. Arrows: transplanted site, Du: duodenum, E: esophagus, EG: esophagogastric junction, L: liver, St: stomach

Discuss this and other 3D printing topics at 3DPrintBoard.com or share your thoughts below.

Sources: Mayo Clinic | PLOS ONE

Share this Article


Recent News

3DPOD Episode 178: Low Cost Metal 3D Printing with Juan Mario Gomez, Xact Metal CEO

Norsk Titanium’s Quest for Capital: Charting a Financial Course in 3D Printing



Categories

3D Design

3D Printed Art

3D Printed Food

3D Printed Guns


You May Also Like

Boeing and ASTRO America 3D Print Rotor System for Apache Helicopter

Aerospace/defense giant Boeing, along with think tank Applied Science and Technology Research Organization (ASTRO) America, announced that they have collaborated to 3D print a main rotor link assembly for Boeing’s...

Sigma Additive Sells 3D Printing IP to Become an Online Travel Company

The global economic landscape is an uncertain one, bringing about some expected developments, such as Align Technologies’ purchase of Cubicure, and some less expected. Exemplifying this latter trend is Sigma...

Airbus Exploring All Possible Manufacturing Technologies in Lightweighting Race Against Boeing

On July 4, aerospace giant Airbus opened a new R&D facility in Filton, England: the Wing Technology Development Centre. In the latest sign that the UK government is serious about...

3D Printing News Unpeeled: $52,000 Metal Printer, Wind Turbines and Inconel DED

The Defiant200 by Defiant3D, is a £40,000 ($52,000) 3D printer that uses Cold Deposit and Sinter Technology.  This uses vibration to deposit powder and support powder. The printer itself is...