3D Printing and Biotechnology
Alec Abby Riley JJ Ryan
Intro to 3D Printing
Three-dimensional printing is nothing less than a miracle for modern biotechnology. The use of 3D printing for cell and organ studies/research should be more aggressibely pursued as a common essential for modern use. Three-D printing is the additive composition of objects through layering which uses blueprints from drafting programs. As the need for new technology arises in the medical field, 3D printing offers the solutions to both research and application problems.
Research Through Manufactured Stem Cells
3D printing has realized the capabilities to print usable stem cells. Because stem cells have traditionally been acquired from aborted fetuses, there must be a push to pursue the 3D printing method of acquiring stem cells. 3D printed stem cells are biologically identical to regular stem cells which allows research to be conducted in the same style for a fraction of the cost and time.
Applications
3D printing can be used to manipulate stem cells in a way that creates accurate human tissues. This technology remains in its infancy and if research continues human organs could be made more accurately. 3D printing can also help neurological disorders like Parkinson's or brain cancer. A device has been made that allows a precise amount of drugs to be administered to the brain. However, this technology needs improvement in preventing infection with repeated injections.
Surgical Advantages of 3D Printing
Traditional surgery has proved challenging for doctors and patients alike. Successfully integrating transplanted skin/organs/bones come with the possibility of anatomical rejection. However, as an 83 year old Belgian women proved, using 3D printers as surgical aid to print bones during operations can revolutionize surgery. A greater push for the widespread use of 3D printers in operating rooms are needed to quicken surgeries and insure the recovery of patients.
Regulation and Accessability of the 3D Printer
With increased availability of 3D printers comes growing concerns of weapons manufacturing and organ harvesting on the black market. In order for 3D printing to become widely accepted and used in the medical community the government must take initiative to regulate this new practice. With proper regulation the negative effects of 3D printing can be reduced and society can continue to benefit from this new practice.
Works Cited
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