Scientists in Wales are 3D-printing cartilage for people born without body parts or who have missing facial features due to facial scarring. Using human cells and plant based materials, the experts say they are able to print ears, noses and other parts to help with facial reconstruction. The first part of the process involves taking human cartilage specific stem cells from patients and nanocellulose (derived from plants) to create a printable 'bioink'. It hopes to show these bioinks are safe, non-toxic and well tolerated by the immune system prior to human clinical trials for facial reconstruction. According to the Scar Free Foundation, the programme will also examine the impact of facial scarring on mental health.

Source: Daily Mail July 22, 2021 17:37 UTC