The first 3D-printed heart in the world & the expertise already exist in Gothenburg
Photographer:
Cellink
When GP report of the first 3D-printed heart, they interview Erik Gatenholm, CEO of CELLINK. – In Sweden there is fantastic capacity and potential, especially at Karolinska, KTH and Sahlgrenska, he says.
Publish date:2019-04-16
The fact that Israeli scientists have managed to print a small heart with the help of 3D printers and bio inks is interesting. Although this is very early research, it is of course a great novelty. The University of Tel Aviv has used human cells and patient-specific biological material, writes Göteborgs-Posten, based on an article in the Jerusalem Post.
It is the first time in the world that scientists have been able to present an entire heart with cells, blood vessels, ventricles and chambers constructed in this way.
– This is really exciting. It shows that we are moving in the right direction, says Erik Gatenholm, CEO of CELLINK, in the GP article.
Bioprinting is an established research area since 10-15 years and CELLINK’s work is about developing exciting biomaterials and making the technology more cost effective, says Erik Gatenholm.
As for the printed heart, this is still at an early, pre-clinical stage. The next research step is to make it act like a human heart and it is a long way before it can become relevant for human beings.
– In Sweden there is fantastic capacity and potential, especially at Karolinska, KTH and Sahlgrenska, to work with such research. It is important to keep a high pace in order to keep up, says Erik Gatenholm to Göteborgs-Posten.
CELLINK is the company in the Sahlgrenska Science Park environment that is by far the fastest growing. Today, they are just over 100 people, most of whom have their daily activities at the Biotech Center @Sahlgrenska SP. CELLINK is part of the incubator at GU Ventures.
