3D printing technology creates a new type of artificial ear. Can it be used for medical transplantation?

It is reported that researchers from Cornell University and Weill Cornell Medical College in the United States have collaborated to use three-dimensional (3D) printing technology and gel containing living bovine ear cells to create a new type of artificial ear that is comparable to a real ear in both appearance and function. The researchers pointed out that this new type of bioengineered replacement ear can be used as a plastic surgery solution to help children born with microtia and those who have lost part or all of their auricle due to other reasons. The relevant paper was published online in the "Public Library of Science Comprehensive" published on February 20.

　　Jason Spector, director of the Bioregenerative Medicine and Surgery Laboratory at Weill Cornell Medical College and associate professor of plastic surgery, said that the density of typical artificial ear materials is similar to that of foam polystyrene, and the texture is quite different from that of a real ear. If the patient's rib tissue is used to surgically reshape the external ear, it is not only difficult but also causes great pain to the patient. Therefore, it is difficult to make an artificial ear that is both beautiful and practical.

　　To create this bioengineered ear, researchers first used a fast-rotating 3D camera to take pictures of several children's ears, input them into a computer to form a 3D image, and then used a 3D printer to print a solid mold according to the image, and injected a high-density collagen gel into it, which contained bovine ear cells that can generate cartilage. In the following weeks, the cartilage gradually increased and replaced the gel, and after 3 months, the cartilage would form a flexible outer ear, replacing the collagen scaffold originally used for shaping.

　　Lawrence Bernassa, one of the main authors of the paper and an associate professor of biomedical engineering, said that it only takes half a day to design the model, which can be printed in about a day. It then takes another half an hour to inject the gel into it. It only takes 15 minutes to remove the model, repair it, and place it in a nutrient medium for a few days before it can be used for transplantation.

　　"Using human cells, especially the patient's own cells, will reduce the possibility of rejection." Spector pointed out that the best time to transplant bioengineered ears to children is when they are five or six years old. If all future safety and efficacy issues are resolved, this bioengineered ear can be used for human transplantation as early as three years.

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　　3D printing is nothing new, but printing living organs with corresponding functions is still astonishing. While people are still amazed by the lifelike cups and toys printed by 3D technology, this research is tantamount to bringing people from "primitive society" to "socialist society". It is hard to imagine what huge potential 3D printing technology can still be tapped. To put it another way, even if the printed living organs cannot be used for medical transplantation, we still have to applaud the incredible innovative spirit of the researchers.