The researchers from "3D Bioprinting Solutions" laboratory at the Skolkovo innovation center outside Moscow have set an exact date for the first three-dimensional organ to be bioprinted, saying the result of the "revolutionary" technology will be unveiled on March 15 next year.
The first organ to be created with a bioprinter, using stem cells as an 'ink', will be a thyroid gland. This body part has been chosen to launch the experiment for its "simplicity," according to the laboratory head of research, Vladimir Mironov. The professor hopes the thyroid will also be apparent in proving bioprinted organs compatibility with living organisms.
"We'll start with mice. We already have a plan how to test it: we'll shut off the thyroid with radioactive iodine, which will cause the level of hormones in the organism to drop. We'll then transplant the printed structure, and if the level of hormones gets back to normal, we will be celebrating with champagne," Mironov said.