Bioprinting is a type of 3D printing to manufacture biological. So far, the process has been used to develop organs or organoids—smaller versions of organs that are at least partially functional—and can be used as models for research. Ultimately researchers hope they can bioprint organs that can be used for transplants.

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Chicago-based BIOLIFE4D recently bioprinted a 3D miniature human heart, which they say is a big step toward producing a full-sized human heart that could be used for transplant. The company has research facilities at JLABS in Houston. The miniature heart had all the structures of a full-sized heart, with four internal chambers.

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The company says it is as close as anyone has gotten to a fully functioning heart via 3D bioprinting. “We are extremely proud of what we have accomplished, from the ability to 3D bioprint human cardiac tissue last summer to a mini heart with full structure […]

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