SGGP 07/13/2023 11:26

Belgian technology startup BIO INX, a collaboration between Ghent University (UGent) and the Free University of Brussels (VUB), has just announced the development of Xpect-INX bio-ink (pictured) for printing human body parts using 3D printers.

BIO INX aims to make a significant contribution to the 3D bioprinting map by developing standardized high-performance materials. At BIO INX, the UGent Polymer Chemistry and Biomaterials (PBM) research group develops novel polymer-based biomaterials, i.e. materials specifically designed to repair or replace damaged tissues in the human body. Meanwhile, the VUB B-PHOT Brussels Photonics group specializes in photonics.

In this technology, tissue is considered the wall, cells are considered the bricks, and Xpect-INX bio-ink is the mortar in between. Xpect-INX bio-ink makes the cells printable and then allows them to grow. The foreign material is gradually broken down and dissolved until only pure tissue remains.