Researchers are 3D printing sensors directly on to expanding organs

The new technique which has been developed by researchers at the University of Minnesota allows the 3D printing of hydrogel-based sensors directly on to organs such as the lungs, that change shape or distort when expanding and contracting.

It works through the use of motion capture technology - similar to that used in films.

The research is said to be the ‘next generation’ of the 3D printing technique which was discovered two years ago and involved the printing of electronics directly on to the skin of a hand that moved left to right or rotated.

Michael McAlpine, a University of Minnesota mechanical engineering professor and senior researcher on the study, explained how the research is “pushing the boundaries of 3D printing in new ways we never even imagined years ago.” He added: “The broader idea behind this research, is that this is a big step forward to the goal of combining 3D printing technology with surgical robots.”

Future applications for this research could include the diagnosing and monitoring of the lungs of patients with Covid-19, as well as 3D printing sensors on to a pumping heart.

The research is published in the journal Science Advances.