Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
way. However, if the host cell's see the host cells as a foreign body, the host will
react by enclosing the foreign body in a dense collagen capsule, and thus, neglect
the desired effect of the biomaterial inserted.
What is the Difference Between Artificial Organs and Tissue
Engineering Products?
Artificial organs are completely foreign manmade objects, who perform the mechan-
ical or physiological processes of the body in absence of the original organ. These
“organs” can include prosthetics, or respirators, or even dialysis machines. These
are all considered artificial organs in that they all perform the function of a typical
organ, like a kidney in the case of a dialysis, and are completely foreign to the host
body. There is a big difference between the development of artificial organs and tis-
sue engineering. Tissue engineering is the process of creating a means to restore
function of tissues in the body with minimal rejection from the host. This can mean
a wide variety of methods used to produce the desired effect; most of them contain
a majority of the host's own cells that have been engineering, regrown, or restored.
Typically, if an organ or tissue is failing, it will be engineered by being given the
opportunity to grow around a scaffold, or biomaterial that allows for development
of healthy tissues [ 4- 6 ]. This is similar to dying coral reefs that are greatly helped
by being given a place to grow around and give it strong anchors. Scaffolds are the
same thing, they allow the cells to differentiate and grow, only to regain normal
function of the original organ or tissue.
How does CAT accomplish tissue engineering approaches?
CAT accomplishes tissue engineering by the use of 3D printing [ 6 ] . The use of this
printer involves creating a 3D model using graphics software, which is then built
layer by layer using a piezoelectric actuated printer to deposit biocompatible mate-
rial and create the mold. This is beneficial because the shape and microstructure can
be tightly controlled and specified for optimal acceptance and performance within
the host's body.
What Does Ink Jet Printer Technique Facilitate?
The ink jet printer facilitates a method of scaffold and cell dispensing at the same
time. As of now, the use of these printers has already dispensed human osteoblasts
and bovine chondrocytes. Sarcoma cells have been put through the ink jet printer in
patterns, and scaffolds created by graphic software. When the cells come out the
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