Picture: McAlpine Research Group
A team at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities has developed a method for producing lifelike tissue structures using 3D printing. The goal of the work, published in Science Advances, is to create more realistic training models for surgeons and medical professionals that better replicate the behavior of skin or organs than currently available models.
Previous methods mostly produced rigid and highly simplified replicas. By contrast, the new approach makes it possible to precisely adjust complex mechanical properties such as anisotropy, elasticity, and tear resistance. The basis is a process in which tiny structures are carefully shaped within the material, enabling the creation of tissues with specific mechanical characteristics. In addition, the team developed a mathematical formula to predict the behavior of the printed structures.
The models are made even more realistic through the integration of fluids that simulate blood. To achieve this, microencapsulations are embedded during the printing process, which prevent drying while not interfering with processing.
“This approach opens the door to creating more realistic training models for surgery, which could ultimately improve medical outcomes,” said Adarsh Somayaji, first author of the paper and a Ph.D. graduate from the University of Minnesota Department of Mechanical Engineering. “While challenges remain in scaling up the process, we see strong potential for this 3D printing method in low-volume, high-complexity training scenarios.”
An initial evaluation showed that surgeons rated the new tissue models higher in terms of feel and cutting behavior compared to conventional training materials. In the future, the researchers plan to extend the method to other organs and use materials that also respond to common surgical tools such as electrocautery.
The project was funded in part by the U.S. Department of Defense and carried out in collaboration with the CREST Lab and the Wang Lab at the University of Washington. The results demonstrate how 3D printing can move beyond simple models in medical education and create realistic training conditions.