How donor organs could soon be made on demand using '3D printers'

Scientists have moved a step closer to growing vital organs which could make human to human transplants a thing of the past.
In a world first, experts have discovered a three-dimensional 'printing  technique' for human tissue using embryonic stem cells.
The process, which was developed at Edinburgh’s Heriot-Watt University, means much-needed livers, hearts and other organs could be readily available for desperately ill patients.

The 3D printing technique produces clusters of embryonic stem cells

Scientists have already used the method to develop bone marrow and skin. But they have struggled to deal with more delicate embryonic cell structures which would go on to become a new organ.
The technique uses an adjustable ‘micro-valve’ in the lab to build up layers of human embryonic stem cells.
Altering the nozzle diameter precisely controls the rate at which cells are dispensed. The new printed embryonic cells retained the ability to turn into any other cell type.
Researchers believe they will eventually be able to use this to grow organs, eliminating the need for organ donation, immune suppression and problems with transplant rejection.
Dr Will Shu and his team are working in partnership with the Midlothian-based stem cell technology company, Roslin Cellab.
He said: ‘To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that these cells have been 3D printed. The technique will allow us to  create more accurate human tissue models.
‘In the longer term, we envisage the technology being further developed to create viable 3D organs  for medical implantation from a patient’s own cells. This is the first step. There is tremendous progress in stem cell technology to turn the cell into the one you want.
‘That’s why we think, in order to eventually grow any tissue or organ you would like, it is better to first master the technology.’

Scientists hope to one day grow any tissue or organ a person needs

3D printing technology is already used in creating architectural models and creating clothes, using layers of resin, plastics and metal alloys. Scientists have been experimenting with the technique using layers of living cells to build up structures such as blood vessels.
Experts believe the first organs could be available in as little as ten years’ time.
Cloning technology can produce embryonic stem cells, or cells with embryonic stem cell properties, containing a patient’s own genetic programming.
Artificial tissue and organs made from such cells could be implanted into the patient from whom they were created without triggering a dangerous immune response.
Jason King, business development manager of Roslin Cellab, said: ‘This world-first printing of human embryonic stem cell cultures is a continuation of our productive partnership with Heriot-Watt University. 

Dr Will Shu led first team to print these kinds of cells

‘Normally, laboratory grown cells grow in 2D but some cell types have been printed in 3D.
‘However, up until now, human stem cell cultures have been too sensitive to manipulate in this way.  This is a scientific development which we hope and believe will have immensely valuable long-term implications for reliable, animal-free drug testing.
‘In the longer term we hope it will provide organs for transplant on demand, without the need for donation and without the problems of immune suppression and potential organ rejection.’More than 10,000 people in the UK currently need a transplant. Around 1,000 lives are saved by a donor organ each year, but another 1,000 die each year, while on the list.
They must wait as long as three-and-a-half years for life-saving operations. 
A typical kidney patient waits 1,168 days for a replacement organ.
Heart patients have a significantly shorter delay, at 253 days, while the figure for liver patients is 142 days.
As of March, 2012, a total of 18,693,549 were on the NHS Organ Donor Register.