In light of their collaborative effort, Nano Dimension and Accellta may potentially start a new venture devoted entirely to further research on 3D printing using stem cells. Accellta would bring its incredibly deep well of stem cell research — including a suspension-based cell culturing system that produces billions of stem cells — while Nano Dimension would, obviously, contribute its cutting-edge 3D printing technology. The partnership would allow for what would likely be a significant step forward in the ongoing study of bioprinting human organs and tissue.
“3D printing of living cells is a technology that is already playing a significant role in medical research, but in order for it to reach its full potential, for the field to evolve further, there is a need to improve printing speeds, print resolution, cell control, and viability as well as cell availability and bio-ink technologies,” said Nano Dimension’s CEO Amit Dror.
According to the market research company IDTechEx, the bioprinting industry figures to balloon to roughly $6 billion by 2024, which would represent a stark increase over its $481 million market in 2014. Though it’s certainly not the only bioprinting entity in the mix, Nano’s work shows that IDTechEx’s estimation of the growing market isn’t all that far-fetched.
“By combining our high-speed, high-precision inkjet capabilities with Accellta’s stem cell suspension technologies and induced differentiation capabilities led by a world-renowned group of experienced engineers and scientists, we can enable 3D printing at high resolution and high volumes,” Dror added.
A considerable amount of research lay ahead for both Nano Dimension and Accellta, but if all goes according to plan, the partnerships’ work could go a long way in the advancement of drug testing, tissue printing, and cosmetics safety testing, among other areas.
