New 3D bio-printer could transform drug discovery and medicine
Scientists at Newcastle University have developed a groundbreaking 3D bio-printer that can create human-like tissue, potentially revolutionizing drug discovery and regenerative medicine.
The ReJI printer, developed with funding from Versus Arthritis, uses Reactive Jet Impingement (ReJI) bioprinting to mix cell-filled gels mid-air, producing tissues that closely mimic human samples. This innovation, led by Professor Kenny Dalgarno, overcomes previous bioprinting limitations by increasing cell density tenfold and speeding up production.
A spin-out company, Jetbio, has been established to attract investment and expand the technology’s reach. The printer, about the size of a coffee machine, has potential applications in cancer, heart disease, and arthritis research, as well as regenerative medicine. It could enhance Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (ACI), a treatment for cartilage damage affecting millions worldwide.
Additionally, Newcastle researchers are using ReJI bioprinting in the REBORN project, funded by the European Commission, to develop a tissue-engineered heart chamber for cardiac research. The technology has been showcased at major UK universities, including Bristol, Newcastle, and Cambridge, with plans for wider adoption in labs worldwide.
