Medical Advancements
Nature’s 3D Printer: Insights from Bristle Worms
Unraveling the mysteries of nature’s 3D printer, a recent interdisciplinary study led by molecular biologist Florian Raible from the Max Perutz Labs at the University of Vienna sheds light on the bristles of marine annelid worm Platynereis dumerilii. Published in Nature Communications, the research unveils the astonishing similarities between chaetoblasts, specialized cells in bristle worms, and the operation of technical 3D printers.
These bristles, composed of beta chitin, enable bristle worms to navigate their aquatic habitats. Through a meticulous process akin to 3D printing, chaetoblasts sequentially form bristles from tip to base, akin to layers in additive manufacturing. This process holds promise for biomedical applications, given the unique properties of beta chitin, potentially revolutionizing wound dressings and biodegradable materials.
Key to this process are microvilli-rich chaetoblasts, resembling nozzles in a 3D printer. These structures harbor enzymes crucial for chitin formation, orchestrating the precise shaping of bristles. Collaborating with experts from Vienna University of Technology, Masaryk University in Brno, and the University of Helsinki, the study employs advanced imaging techniques, including serial block-face scanning electron microscopy (SBF-SEM), to unveil the dynamic surface of chaetoblasts.
As researchers delve deeper into bristle biogenesis, the potential for future applications expands. Improved resolution imaging aims to uncover finer details, driving advancements in medical products and sustainable materials. From wound healing to eco-friendly alternatives, the insights gleaned from nature’s 3D printer promise a future ripe with innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Peer-Reviewed Publication. UNIVERSITY OF VIENNA. Nature’s 3D printer: bristle worms form bristles piece by piece.
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.
