Shan Chien
You may know the 3D printed gun. However, have you ever heard of the 3D printed human cornea?
Newcastle University biomedical scientists have published their research about the success of making human corneas by a 3D printer. They use the stem cells from human cornea to culture cells and mix them with a gel, a mixture of alginate and collagen that produces the necessary bio-ink. This bio-ink is the most essential part of the 3D printed human cornea with which the scientists can find a way to keep the stem cells alive.
Eyes are important for human beings for they are “windows to the soul.” With this advanced skill, people who suffer from corneal blindness and corneal scarring can be healed. Although we have the skill of corneal transplant, available corneas are far from enough for people who need them. 3D printing can solve the problem of the shortage of corneas.
The 3D printed human cornea is quick and comparatively lower-cost, and the most important thing is that it can be tailor-made by scanning the patient’s eye so that the dimension, shape, and radian can fit the patient perfectly. As for the stem cells, they would be extracted from the patient so that the problem of rejection will not happen.
After all, the 3D printed human corneas is a new skill; it will take a few more years for further tests and adjustments to make sure it is safe to use.
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