Source: China Pharmaceutical News

Recently, Liu Dongsheng group in cooperation with the British Department of Chemistry Watt University researchers, the DNA hydrogel material of living cells successfully applied to 3D printing, the organ of the living body can achieve 3D printing and replace the "original" dream organ from a step forward in the field of materials.

Because of its high water content and features similar to the extracellular matrix, hydrogels are three-dimensional tissue printing and preparation of the substrate of choice for artificial organs, and thus become a hot chemistry, materials and life in the field of medical research. However, before the development of the DNA hydrogels, there is not a hydrogel material of living cells can simultaneously meet the requirements of 3D printing cell compatibility, strength, permeability, rapid prototyping, mechanics and other harsh conditions.

In support of Tsinghua independent research program, National Natural Science Foundation Committee and the Ministry of Science, "973" program, the Liu Dongsheng group prepared a new class of hydrogel material that can meet the needs of a number of living cells 3D printing: Speed fast, can reach the second level forming; mild conditions, the process is fully completed under physiological conditions, it does not involve chemical reactions and can cause damage to cells to external stimuli; strength, good permeability, print out the final product size can reach centimeter level above scale, deformation and softening, but also to ensure the delivery of nutrients needed for cell growth. In addition, the material also has very good thixotropic and self-healing properties, while cell growth can continue to change their structure, can not limit its amplification in ensuring adequate support for the cells of the situation. More importantly, the gel material can be rapidly decomposed without residue needed for future 3D print organ transplantation in vivo create the conditions.

It is learned that the papers have been in the "German Applied Chemistry" was published, and with "media promotion" focuses reported. Recently has been the "natural" ("Nature") research report highlights concern. "Nature" evaluation of the material is "a very promising print three-dimensional tissue and artificial organs materials," also commented: "This gel can be constructed by a multilayer printed achieve centimeter-level structure," and "good enough strength to maintain its shape and does not collapse nor swelling, but can be (specific) within DNA endonuclease rapid dissociation "," common print living cells can remain active. "