Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT
Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT

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Bio-fabrication of Artificial Blood Vessels with Laser Light

Press Release Aug 28, 2015

Macroscopic image of a fatty tissue equivalent containing seven layers.
© Fraunhofer IGB, Stuttgart, Germany
Macroscopic image of a fatty tissue equivalent containing seven layers.

Thanks to the development of an artificial, three-layered perfused skin model, the EU research project ArtiVasc 3D is advancing into uncharted territories. An interdisciplinary team of researchers led by the Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT has developed a 3D printing process for the production of artificial blood vessels out of innovative materials. They have created the foundation to cultivate a full-thickness skin model to a much greater layer thicknesses than previously possible. At the project’s closing event at Fraunhofer ILT from October 28 to 29, 2015, the ArtiVasc 3D researchers will present their findings in detail.

 

ARTIVASC 3D SUMMER SCHOOL, 26-28.6.2013, Espoo, Finland

Starting in October 2011, 16 international partners from research and industry have been working together in the project ArtiVasc 3D. The objective is to develop a tiered technology for the generation of fully vascularised bioartificial tissue enabling nutrition and metabolism. The bioartificial skin engineered in ArtiVasc 3D will, for the first time, provide a 3-layered tissue replacement with fatty layer, dermis and epidermis. In the framework of the project a Summer School was held from 26th-28th of June, 2013 at Aalto University in Espoo, Finland.

Participant of the ArtiVasc 3D Summer School at Aalto University in Espoo, Finland.
© ArtiVasc consortium
Participant of the ArtiVasc 3D Summer School at Aalto University in Espoo, Finland.

Artificial tissue – New impetus for the development of implants

The generation of artificial tissue for implants has long been the focus of medical research. One of the biggest challenges has been to create multi-layer tissue structures designed to enable the diffusion of nutrients for surrounding cells in a similar manner to natural tissue. This task is now being tackled by a consortium of 16 European partners from industry and the research community under the leadership of the Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT.

© Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT, Aachen
The ArtiVasc 3D project team at the Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT in Aachen