Student Article
Miniature Human Heart 3D Printed Using Stem Cells
Pluripotent (adjective): Capable of turning into several different cell types.
Stem cells (noun): Special cells that can develop into different types of cells in the body.
Cell density (noun): The number of cells in a certain amount of space, like in a drop of liquid or a section of tissue.
Molecular (adjective): Having to do with molecules, which are tiny groups of atoms stuck together.
Did you know scientists can create tiny human hearts using 3D printers? Let's explore how they do it!
A big breakthrough in a tiny package
Researchers at the University of Minnesota have made a significant breakthrough by 3D printing a functioning human heart pump. This heart model is about 0.6 inches (1.5 centimeters) long and can pump fluid like a real heart. They used pluripotent human stem cells, which have the potential to develop into any type of cells in the body.
Making the cells work together
In previous studies, scientists tried to 3D print heart muscle cells using stem cells, but the cells were not dense enough for the heart muscle to function. To solve this problem, the researchers first expanded the stem cells to high densities and then turned them into heart muscle cells. Using this method, they achieved a high enough cell density for the cells to beat together, just like a human heart.
Tiny hearts, big impacts
This miniature heart model can help scientists study heart disease and test new treatments. It allows researchers to track what happens at the cell and molecular level and study the effects of medicines and other therapies. This discovery could have a transformative effect on heart research and potentially save many lives.
© Jason Goodyer / Our Media
Pluripotent (adjective): Capable of turning into several different cell types.
Stem cells (noun): Special cells that can develop into different types of cells in the body.
Cell density (noun): The number of cells in a certain amount of space, like in a drop of liquid or a section of tissue.
Molecular (adjective): Having to do with molecules, which are tiny groups of atoms stuck together.