Robotic Arm: Scientists in Australia have developed a new soft 'robotic arm', which will be used to 3D print biomaterials directly from inside the human body. According to the information, this new robotic arm is small as well as very flexible. 3D bioprinting is a process in which biomedical parts are manufactured from bio inks to create structures similar to natural tissues.
Bioprinting is mainly used for research purposes such as tissue engineering and manufacturing new drugs. Generally, the use of large 3D printing machines is required to manufacture the cellular structure of the human body. The small and flexible 3D bioprinter, developed by researchers at the University of New South Wales in Sydney, can be inserted into the body like an endoscope.
Can work in cancer surgery
The new proof-of-concept device, identified as the F3DB, has a swivel head that prints bio ink. It is attached to the end of a long and flexible snake-like robotic arm. All these movements can be controlled from the outside. Researchers say the new device could be used to perform surgery to remove certain cancers, such as colorectal cancer, through a process known as 'endoscopic submucosal dissection' (ESD).
Can reach hard-to-reach parts of the body
Researchers claimed that this device can be used by doctors in the next 5 to 7 years. With the help of this device, those parts of the body can be reached, where it is often difficult to reach. This research has been published in a paper published in the Journal of Advanced Science. The team of researchers tested their device inside an artificial colon. As well as testing 3D printing materials with different sizes on the surface of a pig's kidney.
