3D-printed microcage scaffolds designed to heal broken bones

Researchers from Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU; OR, USA) have 3D-printed ‘Lego-inspired’ scaffolds, designed to be embedded with materials to improve the healing of bones. Roughly the size of a small flea, each hollow microcage is 1.5 millimeters cubed, serving as a small scaffold for both hard and soft tissue to be able to grow for clinical replacement or repair. Described in Advances Materials, the team claims that this method for regenerating tissue is better than standard practices and could even lead to the fabrication of organs for human transplant. "Our patent-pending scaffolding is easy to use; it can...