Researchers from the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences have developed a new hydrogel ink infused with gelatin fibers that enables 3D printing of a functional heart ventricle that mimics the beating of a human heart. This breakthrough in 3D printing technology allows for the alignment of heart muscle cells in a coordinated fashion, replicating the physiological function of the heart. The addition of fibers within the printable ink provides structural support, eliminating the need for additional materials or scaffolds. While not as strong as real heart tissue, the 3D-printed ventricle can pump significantly more fluid volume than previous models. The researchers hope to continue building more lifelike heart tissues and ultimately develop implantable tissues for patients.
https://seas.harvard.edu/news/2023/07/fiber-infused-ink-enables-3d-printed-heart-muscle-beat