Scientists Make Progress Towards Heart Transplant Revolution

Scientists in Germany have successfully 3D-printed miniature heart chambers that can beat autonomously for at least three months, as reported in the journal Nature Biotechnology. This research could lead to the development of complete hearts that can be implanted in patients. The heart chambers were created using a technique called bioprinting, which involves depositing living cells in a specific pattern to create a three-dimensional structure. The researchers used a biological printer to create mini ventricles, which are large muscular chambers at the bottom of the heart that pump blood. However, the 3D-printed ventricles were about six times smaller than real human ventricles and were made from a mixture of living human heart muscle cells and a gel-like substance. The team found that "the ventricles were able to beat on their own for at least three months without showing any signs of deterioration during that period." The team is now working on ways to enlarge and enhance the durability of the printed heart chambers and connect them to body tissues. The study was conducted by a team of scientists at Friedrich Alexander University in Erlangen-Nuremberg, Germany.