New handheld pen shows potential to ‘draw’ freeform stem cell patterns

Researchers have developed a handheld 3D printing pen that could be used to create freeform patterns of human stem cells.

Developed by the ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science and St Vincent's Hospital in Melbourne, the BioPEn device uses a hydrogel bio-ink to carry and support living human stem cells, as well as a low powered light source to solidify the ink.

It can be used to 'draw' human stem cells in a freehand manner, providing a cell survival rate in excess of 97 percent. It is expected that this experimental tool will give surgeons unprecedented control in treating defects by filling them with bespoke scaffolds.

The small, lightweight, ergonomic and sterilisable BioPen could help revolutionise the creation of customised cartilage implants during surgery.

Professor Peter Choong, director of orthopaedics at St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, said: "The development of this type of technology is only possible with interactions between scientists and clinicians – clinicians to identify the problem, and scientists to develop a solution."