Some might say that building human organs cell-by-cell might be far-fetched and that the idea would probably belong in a B movie science fiction flick. But Invetech (Melbourne, Australia) and Organovo (San Diego) are making what once seemed impossible a reality with the introduction of what it calls the world's first 3-D bio-printer.
The printer allows scientists and engineers to be able to place cells of almost any type into a desired pattern in 3-D, according to the company. The researchers have the ability to place liver cells on a preformed scaffold, support kidney cells with a co-printed scaffold, or form adjacent layers of epithelial and stromal soft tissue that grow into a mature tooth.
To help them develop the 3-D bio-printers, Organovo selected Invetech in May 2009 as their technology development partner.
"What we did was create a benchmark type device," Richard Grant VP and Operations Manager of Invetech told Medical Device Daily. "Prior to our agreement [Organovo] had an early prototype, but it was very slow to operate and not efficient."
Invetech was asked to design and develop a highly integrated, extremely reliable and simple to use 3-D bio-printer system which could then be transferred to manufacture and commercial sale. Because of its history with precision design, robotics and manufacturing products, Invetech said it was able to combine prior art with new ideas to come up with a development plan that met Organovo's budget and design goals.
"We selected Invetech because of their capabilities for sophisticated engineering and automation, cultural fit as a long term partner and their consideration towards protecting Organovo's bioprinting IP and maximizing our commercial return on the program. They have good processes for product development and project management, and it was apparent that project execution would be handled very well. Invetech really offered the best overall package, said Keith Murphy, CEO of Organovo.
The 3-D bio-printers include what both companies say is an intuitive software interface that allows engineers to build a model of the tissue construct before the printer commences the physical constructions of the organs cell-by-cell using automated, laser-calibrated print heads.
"At this moment the printer stands as a research tool and it's not available for commercial use," he said. "But this produces organs from scratch. It could in the future solve organ transplant issues."
The printer fits inside a standard biosafety cabinet for sterile use. It includes two print heads, one for placing human cells, and the other for placing a hydrogel, scaffold, or support matrix.
The cells used to build the organs can be grown outside the body and cultivated, according to Grant.
He added that "the printer can use any cells. But any cell type could be used which is great for research purposes at present. Autologous adult stem cells (either from the patient's bone marrow or adipose fat) could be to create a heart valve or other organ."
One of the most complex challenges in the development of the printer was being able to repeatedly position the capillary tip, attached to the print head, to within microns. The company said that this was essential to ensure that the cells are placed in exactly the right position. Invetech developed a computer controlled, laser-based calibration system to achieve the required repeatability.
Invetech plans to ship a number of 3-D bio-printers to Organovo during 2010 and 2011 as a part of the instrument development program. Organovo will be placing the printers globally with researchers in medical centers.
Although the company says that there is no direct competition, Grant did say that there were other companies that were in the process of developing bioprinters to replicate cell structure and grow organs.
Omar Ford, 404-262-5546;