Although 3D printing can be used for fun and games, it can also be used in the world of science.
A few days ago, a team of scientists at the University of California produced a 3D-printed liver tissue. This one creation has the making of a huge phenomenon because of what it could do for the world. As a matter of fact, Shaochen Chen, a NanoEngineer at San Diego, had a chance to explain some of the great benefits of 3D printing tissue.
FIRST REASON: SHORTER THAN A TYPICAL FDA APPROVED DRUG
One of the best aspects of 3D printing tissue is that it is much faster to produce than a drug that is FDA approved. Chen noted how typically it will take around 12 years, and cost around $1.8 billion, to produce a drug approved by the FDA. This is due to the fact that over 90 percent of the drugs will fail clinical trials and animals tests, Chen continues to say. He then noted that they have created a tool that would not have this problem, and then they could focus on the most promising drugs.
SECOND REASON: A TOOL FOR THE FUTURE
Not only is this going to be great for us now, but Chen notes how this tool can further be used for innovation. Chen notifies people that this tool could be used as a great drug screening tool for companies and that it will open the door of the future for 3D printing.
THIRD REASON: SAVING LIVES
Obviously, the most important reason is that this will help save lives. This liver tissue that is being constructed by this tool will help patients with cirrhosis, hepatitis, and cancer, says Chen. The more of this tissue that is produced means the survival rate of these diseases will go up. This really is the most important thing, and this alone should give the world excitement for 3D printing.
