3D printing creates human tissue with stretch and blood-like fluids

Researchers at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities have developed an advanced 3D printing technique that produces human tissue models with realistic mechanical properties and blood-like fluids, significantly improving the fidelity of surgical training tools. By controlling microscopic patterns within the printed material, the team achieved tissues that mimic the strength and stretchiness of real organs. Additionally, they incorporated sealed microcapsules containing blood-like liquids to enhance the models’ realism without compromising the printing process. Surgeons who tested these models rated them higher than conventional replicas in tactile feedback and cutting response, suggesting that such improvements could lead to safer and more effective surgical practice. The research team, including experts from mechanical and biomedical engineering and collaborators from the University of Washington, also developed a mathematical formula to predict tissue behavior under stress. While scaling the technology for widespread use will take time, the method shows strong potential for specialized, low-volume training scenarios. Future research aims to replicate various organ shapes and functions, develop bionic organs, and integrate materials responsive to advanced surgical tools