The technological capabilities of 3D printers continue to advance. In this episode, we explore the capability of 3D bio-printing, the printing of biological structures, such as heart tissue, bones, and skin. Could 3D printed heart tissue replace heart transplants in the future? What hurdles are there to implementing this technology in hospitals in Australia?

Featured:

Dr Carmine Gentile, lecturer at UTS School of Biomedical Engineering, group leader of the cardiovascular regeneration group at the University of Technology Sydney and the University of Sydney

Associate Professor Payal Mukherjee, an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) surgeon, ENT lead for research from Royal Prince Alfred’s Institute of Academic Surgery, Clinical Associate Professor of surgery at the University of Sydney, Adjunct Professor at the University of Wollongong and the current chair of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons NSW.

Dr Matthew Rimmer, Professor of intellectual property and innovation at the Queensland University of Technology.

Presenter/Producer: Marlene Even

Music: Epidemic Sound

Sound: 3D bio-printer recording, by Dr Carmine Gentile, second recording by Associate Professor Payal Mukherjee, Professor Gordon Wallace AO, Director ARC Centre for Electromaterial Science and his team.