3D-printed device ‘can emulate liver functions’

US nanoengineers have been able to create a 3D-printed device that is able to remove dangerous toxins from the body.

Developed by the University of California, San Diego, the device is inspired by the functionality of the liver and uses nanoparticles to trap pore-forming toxins that can damage cellular membranes, leading to illnesses.

It is designed to be used outside the body, much like dialysis, and turns red when the toxins are captured, facilitating its ease of use.

Nanoparticles have already been shown to be effective at neutralising blood-borne toxins, and the new device has demonstrated its potential benefits in a proof-of-concept study. Theoretically, 3D microstructures such as blood vessels could be printed in mere seconds out of soft biocompatible hydrogels.

Study co-lead author Xin Qu said: "This will inspire many new designs for detoxification techniques, since 3D printing allows user-specific or site-specific manufacturing of highly functional products."

This comes after scientists from the University of Pittsburgh were recently able to use 3D printing to create living human cartilage, underlining the significant medical potential offered by this emerging technology.