3D PRINTING
Scientists have 3D-printed the first-ever biomimetic tongue
The innovation is as good as the real thing and mimics the topology, elasticity & wettability of the tongue’s surface
Late last year, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute researchers achieved a landmark for 3D-printing by creating living skin. It came with complete blood vessels, thus replicating something very similar to our own natural skin, having the capability of communicating with the host cells. Earlier this year, Brazilian scientists took the next step forward, when they bio-printed functional “mini-livers” — which could address the shortage of organs for people, most in need.
The utility of this futuristic technique highlights how technology can be used for the good of people. Scientists at the University of Leeds in collaboration with the University of Edinburgh have now developed a synthetic tongue that feels and functions like the real thing.
Like the complexity of many other organs of a human body, the tongue’s biological surface poses stiff challenges in the artificial replication, which is a major obstacle in the development and screening of effective long-lasting treatments or therapies for dry mouth syndrome. Almost 10% of the general population and 30% of…
