We follow the advances in printing technology pretty closely; we’ve even seen inkjet printing principles build concrete houses, but nothing comes close to what Makota Nakamura has turned been working on.

He had made significant steps towards using inkjet technology to print human cells into a 3D structure, and hopes eventually to be able to print human hearts as replacements for those who need them.

Hoping to use the same simple inkjet principles found in your home printer, Nakamura originally tried to print live human cells but found the nozzles became quickly blocked. He then contacted Epson to get some technical support and hopefully some advice on developing a more suitable printer cartridge – understandably they politely refused when they found out he wanted to print living tissue, but with a bit more conversation with them Nakamura was able to make them understand the implications for saving lives, and they finally agreed.

In 2003, Nakamura confirmed that cells survived even after the printing process, becoming one of the first researchers in the world to unveil a 3D structure with real living cells using inkjet technology.

He estimates it will take him around 20 years to get to the point that he can print a working heart, but in the meantime he has proven his genius by printing tissue tubes very similar to human blood vessels.

Nakamura has stated that he has no intention of printing aware creatures, or full sized humans for that matter, and is absolutely dedicated to producing replacement organs and tissue for those who can’t get a donar match.

“I’m not envisioning making superhuman cyborgs. There are simply lives that could be saved if there are organs,” he said.

We figure there are some simpler applications that can be worked towards first (hey we’re not medical scientist so some of these may be impossible!)

• Skin tissue for burn injuries
• Muscle tissue
• Liver tissue
• Capilleries and other tubes

But it is great that Nakamura is aiming for the stars with this human cell printing. Perhaps one day we’ll be wearing his new organs and we’ll be incredible thankful.

Of course the extreme human rights groups may have a thing or two to say about this, but that’s to be expected. Afterall, without regulation it’s only a matter of time before someone tries to print a full-sized supermodel, or themselves!

Further Reading…