3D printer used to make bone-like material

November 30, 2011
printed bones

Printed bone-like material (credit: Washington State University)

Washington State University researchers have used a 3D printer to create a bone-like material and structure for orthopedic procedures, dental work and to deliver medicine for treating osteoporosis. Paired with actual bone, it acts as a scaffold for new bone to grow on and ultimately dissolves with no apparent ill effects.

After just a week in a medium with immature human bone cells, the scaffold was supporting a network of new bone cells.

The research was funded with a $1.5 million grant from the National Institutes of Health.