Replicator World

3D Printing Media Network reports on a new collaboration between 3D Systems and CollPlant. This collaboration aims to develop tissue and further bioprinting solutions.

CollPlant is a biotech company which developed proprietary bioink products (rhCollagen) for 3D bioprinting tissues. “Working together, the companies will leverage 3D Systems expertise in 3D printing and healthcare applications and CollPlant’s deep knowledge of bioinks to jointly develop tissue and scaffold bioprinting processes for third party collaborators.”

“The partnership’s overall goal is to develop bioprinting technologies in order to advance regenerative medicine research. The companies are determined to create an integrated bioprinting solution (or solutions) targeted specifically at printing tissues and scaffolds for regenerative medicine applications.”

Due to this collaboration, 3D Systems will have access to CollPlant’s bioinks while CollPlant will have access to 3D System’s 3D printers.

Co-Founder and CTO of 3D Systems Chuck Hull elaborates: “3D Systems is excited to work with CollPlant to develop groundbreaking bioprinted tissue and scaffold technologies. We believe 3D printing to be a key technology for regenerative medicine, and this collaboration is one of many we are entering to play an integral role in this exciting field. Combining our innovative 3D printing technologies with CollPlant’s rhCollagen-based bioinks has the potential to make a significant impact in bioprinting and regenerative medicine.”

CollPlant’s CEO Yehiel Tal concludes: “We strongly believe our proven rhCollagen is the finest building block for regenerative medicine tissues and scaffolds available today. As the leading additive manufacturing printing solutions company, 3D Systems is the perfect partner for us. Together, we can offer the best combined technology for 3D bioprinting. We are honored to have established this important collaboration and we look forward to working together to advance 3D bioprinting technology to the commercial phase.”

Image and Quotes Courtesy of 3D Printing Media Network

Yale News reports on the ways in which additive manufacturing are helping aid in bone reconstruction surgeries and treatments.

Dr. David Frumberg, Assistant Professor of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation at Yale’s Center for Engineering Innovation & Design (CEID), discovered when it came to bone reconstruction procedures, X-rays and CT scans “weren’t giving him enough information to go on.”

So, Dr. Frumberg chose to 3D print a model of his patients’ bones. “Having these models available allowed him to hold the problem in his hand, turn it around, and help him see things he hadn’t – couldn’t – before.”

As Dr. Frumberg explains: “for me, the models help in so many ways. They help me come up with a plan, they help me figure out the relationships between all the different complex deformities, and what needs to be repaired and what doesn’t.”

These models are “especially useful for the more complicated cases and go a long way to reduce a lot of guesswork. And now, when I open up a patient, there aren’t so many surprises to work out on the fly. Every time I get a model, it changes my plan 100%.”

“The way Frumberg discovered the value of the 3D models is typical of how a lot of things happen at the CEID. He first came to the makerspace looking to use its laser cutter to devise a grid that would better ensure the proper alignment of bones. He took a look around the room and got some new ideas.” As he explains: “there were students there doing the most amazing things.”

Image and Quotes Courtesy of Yale News