Words by Isabel O’Brien
Researchers have made a major leap forward in creating viable lab-grown tissues by solving a key problem: how to keep cells alive deep inside thick tissue structures before blood vessels can form.
In a study, US-based biotech firm FluidForm Bio used a clever combination of 3D printing and edible gelatin particles to create “scaffolding” with built-in channels that deliver nutrients. Their solution keeps cells alive nearly five times deeper than current methods by mimicking the body’s natural vascular networks.
“This work highlights the evolving power of the FRESH™ platform—not only as a precision bioprinting tool but as an integrated solution for building viable, vascularised tissues,” said Mike Graffeo, CEO and Co-Founder, FluidForm Bio. “It brings us a step closer to scalable, implantable therapies for chronic diseases like diabetes, where vascularisation is critical.” The technique could be particularly valuable in this area, where creating insulin-producing tissues with a proper blood supply has been a major hurdle.
The advance builds on existing 3D bioprinting technology that works similarly to regular 3D printing, but uses special “bio-inks” containing living cells instead of plastic or metal. While still experimental, such techniques could one day allow doctors to print custom tissues or even whole organs for transplantation.
The team has already used their method to create heart tissue for drug testing, suggesting wider applications beyond transplants. With further development, the technique could help millions waiting for organ transplants or new treatments for chronic diseases with high unmet needs.
