Spinal cord injury relief provided by 3D printed implant

Researchers from the University of Minnesota have developed a 3D printed implant which may be able to restore some function to patients who have suffered long-term spinal cord injuries.
The implant, made of silicone with neuronal stem cells printed directly on top, is then implanted into the injured area on the spinal cord and works as a bridge, relieving pain and restoring some control of certain functions including muscles, bowels and bladder.
Mechanical engineer and lead on the project Michael McAlpine said “This is the first time neuronal stems cells have been derived from adult human cells on a 3D printer. Printing these very delicate cells was difficult as they had to be kept happy and live, and the fact that we have been able to keep about 75% of them alive during the 3D printing process and have them turn into happy neurons is pretty amazing. ”
The process involved a number of techniques. The stem cells came from any human cell (such as a blood cell or skin cell) and were then reprogrammed by medical researchers to turn them into neuronal stem cells. Mechanical engineers then had to develop a printer that would print the guide and living cells, (providing the structure that the cells could be printed on,) and keep them alive whilst they changed into neurons.
The cells were confirmed as functional in laboratory tests showing extended fibres through 150um wide channels. Ann Parr, from the department of Neurosurgery and Stem Cell Institute said “there aren’t any good treatments for those with long term spinal cord injuries so these results are very exciting. This shows the advances of bio engineering and 3D printing and simple improvements for patients being able to regain some control over certain functions could greatly improve their lives.”