New robot enters the human body through the rectum to 3D print living cells on damaged organs

Engineers have developed a flexible robot that enters the rectum to 3D print living cells on damaged organs, eliminating the need for patients to'go under the knife.' The University of South Wales Sydney team designed the miniature robotic arm to directly deliver'bioink,' made of gelatin, collagen, human cells and other materials, onto the surface of internal organs and tissues. The proof-of-concept device, known as F3DB, features a highly maneuverable swivel head that'prints' the bioink, attached to the end of the arm, all of which can be controlled externally. The research team said that with further development, and potentially within five to seven years, the technology could be used by medical professionals to access hard-to-reach areas inside the body via small skin incisions or natural orifices. The lead researcher Dr Thanh Nho Do said in a statement: 'Existing 3D bioprinting techniques require biomaterials to be made outside the body and implanting that into a person would usually require large open-field open surgery which increases infection risks. 'Our flexible 3D bioprinter means biomaterials can be directly delivered into the target tissue or organs with a minimally invasive approach.'