Creating artificial liver tissue using advanced 3D printing techniques
Photoabsorbing bioinks for expanding 3D printed human liver in situ
This study is working on creating artificial liver tissue using 3D printing to help people who need liver transplants, aiming to make a solution that could support liver cells and possibly replace traditional organ transplants.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10843845 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing artificial liver tissue to address the growing need for liver transplants due to rising liver disease rates. By utilizing innovative 3D printing methods with specialized bioinks, the team aims to create vascular networks that can support liver cells effectively. The approach involves enhancing the printing resolution and cellular density to produce functional liver tissue that could serve as a bridge or alternative to traditional organ transplants. Patients may benefit from this technology if it leads to successful artificial liver solutions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from severe liver diseases who are in need of a transplant or alternative treatment options.
Not a fit: Patients with liver diseases that are not severe enough to require transplantation may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a viable alternative to liver transplants, potentially saving lives and improving outcomes for patients with liver disease.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in using 3D printing for tissue engineering, but this specific approach with photoabsorbing bioinks is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- University of Washington — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stevens, Kelly R — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Stevens, Kelly R
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.