Researchers in Germany have created transparent* human organs using a new technology that could pave the way to print three-dimensional body parts such as kidneys for transplants*.

Scientists led by Ali Erturk at Ludwig Maximilians University in Munich have developed a technique that uses a solvent* to make organs such as the brain and kidneys transparent.

The organ is then scanned by lasers in a microscope that allows researchers to capture the entire structure, including the blood vessels and every single cell in its specific location. Using this blueprint, researchers print out the scaffold of the organ.

They then load the 3-D printer with stem cells which act as “ink” and are injected into the correct position making the organ functional.

Until now 3D-printed organs lacked detailed cellular structures because they were based on images from computer tomography* or MRI* machines, he said.

“We can see where every single cell is located in transparent human organs. And then we can actually replicate* exactly the same, using 3-D bioprinting technology to make a real functional organ,” he said.

“Therefore, I believe we are much closer to a real human organ for the first time now.”(SD-Agencies)