Creating ‘human on a chip’ with lasers: the future of 3D-printed tissue

Researchers from TU Wien (Vienna, Austria), led by Professor Aleksandr Ovsianikov, have developed a new laser technique that allows scientists to accurately reproduce human tissue. This will allow researchers to conduct pharmaceutical research without the need for animal testing. As 3D bioprinting has developed, an area that has been challenging for many scientists when printing tissue has been maneuvering the cells to the correct location. When creating tissue, cells are usually combined with a hydrogel that supports growth. Cells travel and form tissues but the ability to accurately control this process is difficult. For example, a blood vessel network is...