Here’s what you need to know:
1. The researchers are using custom-designed bioprinters to create 3-D prints of cartilage implants.
2. At present, physicians use gel for cartilage replacement. However, since gel degrades over time, it is not a long-term solution.
3. The researchers say that 3-D printers offer a level of precision that manual techniques do not. This precision is important for creating complex cartilage implants.
4. These 3-D printers now print with cartilage cells from cows — however, the researchers hope that if the prototype machines can print tissue implants with cow cells, printing with human cells will be possible, too.
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