3D bioprinting
3D Printed Pancreas cells on the horizon diabetes treatment with Aspect Biosystems.
For over three decades, scientists have explored ways to create human organs from lab-grown cells, and now, the quest for a breakthrough in diabetes treatment is gaining momentum. Aspect Biosystems is at the forefront of this medical revolution, guided by the visionary Erin Bedford. A nanotechnology expert, Bedford leads a team that’s inching closer to a remarkable solution for Type 1 diabetes—a cure that involves 3D printing human pancreas cells.
Erin Bedford, currently the head of bioprinting innovation at Aspect Biosystems, joined the company in 2018 with a passion for applying nanotechnology to real-world challenges. Recognizing the massive unmet medical need for Type 1 diabetes, the team embarked on a journey to leverage 3D printing for creating human pancreas cells. Rather than constructing an entire pancreas, they honed in on producing the specific cells responsible for insulin production. At the heart of Aspect’s groundbreaking technology is a fluid blend containing pancreatic cells derived from stem cells, alongside other biomaterials and water. This fluidic mixture is meticulously pumped through a 3D printer, layer by layer, crafting insulin-producing cells designed to evade detection by the immune system. The result is a potential cure for Type 1 diabetes, injecting hope into the lives of approximately 8.4 million people worldwide grappling with this autoimmune disease.
Aspect Biosystems has already demonstrated the efficacy of bioprinted cells in curing Type 1 diabetes in rats, marking a significant milestone in the quest for a cure. Erin Bedford anticipates that human trials are on the horizon, signifying a pivotal moment in the evolution of diabetes treatment. The company’s groundbreaking approach received a substantial endorsement in April when Novo Nordisk invested $75 million and entered a collaboration agreement with Aspect Biosystems. Buoyed by their success in the realm of diabetes treatment, Aspect Biosystems is pushing the limits of the technology. Erin Bedford reveals that the company is actively working on extending the applications of 3D printing to create livers—an ambitious endeavor that could revolutionize organ transplantation and reshape the landscape of medical possibilities.
As Aspect Biosystems pioneers a transformative path in diabetes treatment, the impact of 3D printing on medical advancements becomes increasingly evident. Erin Bedford and her team stand at the intersection of innovation and compassion, bringing hope to millions by redefining how we approach and treat Type 1 diabetes. The journey from lab-grown cells to potential human trials reflects a remarkable fusion of technology, science, and the pursuit of a healthier future.
QUARTZ INNOVATORS 2023. Meet the technologist printing a cure to diabetes.
