3D-printed that mimics biological tissue could aid spine repair
A 3D-printed material that mimics biological tissue could make a significant breakthrough in future spine repair surgery, researchers have claimed.
A team from the University of Colorado Denver, created a honey-like resin that forms new bonds when exposed to ultraviolet light in a series of layers.
The final resin turns into a biological cartilage when 3D-printed, which could play a vital role in replacing the natural cartilage that covers human spinal joints.
"The spine is full of challenges and it’s a hard problem to solve," mechanical engineer professor Chris Yakacki said.
“People have tried making synthetic spinal tissue discs and they haven’t done a good job of it. With 3D-printing and the high resolution we’ve gotten from it, you can match a person’s anatomy exactly," Yakacki added.
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