A 3D Printer that Prints Human Tissues: Launched by an Indian Startup

An Indian tech startup, Avay Biosciences, has unveiled a homegrown 3D printer that, according to the company, can manufacture human tissues.

'Bioinks' designed to produce synthetic living tissues like skin are used in the tissue replication technique known as bioprinting. Bioprinting provides support and cares for live cells either temporarily or permanently.

The 'Mito Plus' bioprinter prototype was installed at the Indian Institute of Science in Bengaluru.

How was the3D printer created?

The sophisticated Bio 3D printer Mito Plus was created by Avay, co-founded by an IIT Madras alumni, with advice on the prototype from Dr. Bikramjit Basu's research team at IISc. One of the most sophisticated 3D bioprinters in India, according to reports.

What is the estimated value of the new startup of the 3D printer?

The startup is partnering with premier research and development institutes across India, including Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT), IIT Madras,  Mumbai, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education(NIPER), Hyderabad, and BITS Pilani (Goa Campus) as collaborators and customers.

The worldwide 3D bioprinting market is now valued at USD 1.3 billion as of 2022 and is anticipated to reach USD 3.3 billion by 2027, according to several bioprinting industry estimates.

How can the bioprinter benefit the medical industry?

Regarding the primary uses of "Mito Plus," Avay Biosciences CEO Manish Amin stated, "MITO plus can print a variety of biomaterials. It may be applied to applications for pharmaceutical drug discovery and drug testing. Additionally, it has uses in cosmetology and cancer biology.

He described how bioprinters functioned just like 3D printers. Instead of printing out objects made of plastic, metal, or powder, they deposit layers of biomaterials, which may also contain living cells, to create intricate structures like skin and liver tissue.

Vision of the new bioprinter startup

Suhridh Sundaram, COO of Avay, stated, "our approach to the production of wholly new organs begins with the voyage of developing fresh tissue samples - a vital stepping stone for a very lengthy and challenging trip.

We are collaborating with ICT Mumbai to have our printers create skin, the most prevalent kind of layered tissue that might benefit those who have suffered severe burns. The utilisation of these tissues for toxicological screenings and other testing procedures is also possible, he continued.