Future Possibilities of Creating Artificial Organs
Artificially made human organs could be the next step in our evolution
As 3D scanners develop and evolve, researchers are adopting this technology to make massive discoveries that could lead to a future where no one is on a waitlist for organ transplants. This biomedical research done by students and doctors at Helmholtz Zentrum München could have significant impacts on the medical field going forward. These researchers have found a way to 3D laser scan large pieces of tissue at a cellular level.
How other 3D laser scanners work
3D laser scanners typically take thousands of pictures per second, collecting information on an object or scene. Once the data is collected, it can be then be saved for life in the cloud. After that, it can be downloaded into a program where it can be edited and manipulated for 3D laser printing.
This process is relatively cheap and less time consuming than other ways of creating replicas. These qualities make it a highly valuable in many fields, and specifically the medical industry. Researchers have found a way to take this device, shrink it down, insert it into a body part to scan a large piece of tissue.
The steps involved in scanning organs
The researchers were first tasked with turning the organs transparent, which was a difficult task. Human organs are much different than mice organs, there are years of collagen buildup leaving organs hard. The team was able to find chemicals that worked on mice but not on human tissues.
After extensive research, the team found a chemical that produced little holes throughout the organ, making it transparent. Then they were able to scan the entire, open organ and create a 3D model from that image.
Right now, there is a lot of trial and error, so the team has only been able to use human cadavers to run through this research. When the process is more researched and developed, they may be able to do it with volunteers.
The various benefits of 3D scanning at a cellular level
3D laser scanning at a cellular level means these scans can pick up particular functions and structures of an organ. Typically, a 3D scan involves the outside of a body, it still picks up incredible details. It can detect certain problem areas, but not on the inside of a human body.
This new advancement in the medical field could mean that artificially made human organs could be created and used for patients in need of an organ transplant. Some people never get the opportunity to have a new organ. Organ donors are far, and few in between, and not everyone is healthy enough to give an organ.
It is a long and tedious process, and some people die in the process. This could save time and save lives. Being able to replicate organs that could be used is the next step in our evolution.
As this technology is adopted by researchers, more incredible advancements will be made in all fields. This will directly impact the way consumers live and will keep enhancing our everyday lives. By learning at a cellular level, doctors will be able to understand how our bodies work better than ever before.