The additive manufacturing sector continues to show near-limitless potential. Innovations have taken 3D printers from creating customized figurines all the way to printing entire neighborhoods, working electronics, and even human organs. Now, researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have developed a novel method for 3D-printing bioelectronic scaffolds designed to support tissue formation. While this technology does not yet enable the direct printing of fully functional organs, it represents a significant step toward improving engineered tissue for medical applications.
Traditional Tissue Development Methods
Most people are unaware that tissue development is a crucial process of drug testing and other vital medical practices. Researchers will use natural or artificially created scaffolds that support a variety of cells, including primary cells, stem cells, and immortalized cell lines, to create living tissue for drug testing and other purposes.
Blood Cells
The scaffolding allows the cells to grow and develop. The goal is to recreate human physiology, allowing for testing and monitoring of treatments on living cells. For example, researchers could use these scaffolds to create tissue models for drug testing, potentially improving our understanding of how medications interact with biological systems.
Bioelectronics
The field of bioelectronics focuses on integrating electronic properties with biological systems. The research from Washington University leverages this concept by developing 3D-printed scaffolds that support tissue formation while maintaining electrical conductivity, which could be useful in drug development and regenerative medicine. These devices provide more flexibility in terms of applications and capabilities.
Interestingly, the concept of bioelectronics is a century-old theory that revolves around using electronic stimuli to treat ailments. In ancient times, there were cultures like the Egyptians that would utilize electric animals like fish to help reduce pain and inflammation.
In the 1600s, electrotherapy was a viable medical practice throughout Europe. By the 1800s, humans learned how to harness and generate electricity independently, eliminating the need to utilize nature’s electric-producing animals. Today, bioelectronic tech is widely used for various reasons.
Drawbacks of Bioelectronics
Today, the bioelectronics market is limited because the majority of conductive material is stiff. This stiffness has reduced its ability to be used in certain scenarios where its physiological restrictions could cause adverse effects. Thankfully, this scenario may be about to change.
Bioelectronic Scaffolds Study
A recent study1 published in the journal Advanced Materials Technologies called “3D Printed Bioelectronic Scaffolds with Soft Tissue-Like Stiffness” introduces a new 3D printing method that can produce reliable bioelectronic scaffolds. These 3D print bioelectronic scaffolds provide the ideal environment for cell and tissue growth according to researchers.
PEDOT: PSS,
The study delves into the use of a new material called PEDOT: PSS (Poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene): poly (styrene sulfonate) as the scaffolding structure. Interestingly, it’s built in a lattice-like structure designed to help support the cells. Notably, this scaffolding is immersed in a water-based gel as part of the process.
This gel has many pores ranging from 150-300 micrometers in size. To the naked eye, the scaffolding looks like 6mm wide dark-colored dots that serve little purpose. However, these pours are critical components that help to promote healthy cell growth.
The pores help determine key factors like how fast and in what direction the cell culture will develop. It also plays a role in how each cell will interact and multiply. This flexibility enables researchers to fine-tune their creations with exact specifications. They can even adjust little details like pore angle to alter the entire support structure grid line layout.
Bioelectronic Scaffold Test Results
The engineers found that their scaffolding held up excellently compared to traditional methods. They discovered that using PEDOT: PSS provides multiple benefits including stability and conductive capabilities. This trait allows for the creation of hydrated electronic systems
This style of electronics exists within a living framework. They could one day be crucial in the treatment process for serious injuries and more. The key factor is that the framework excelled at maintaining biostability. Additional tests demonstrated the cells demonstrated high morphology and proliferation, making it the ideal microenvironment for growth.
Bioelectronic Scaffolds Benefits
There’s a long list of benefits that this study brings to the market. For one, its flexibility means the technology will allow researchers to create new tissue testing methods and electronics. These innovative trials could lead to major medical breakthroughs.
Faster
The 3D-printing approach allows researchers to precisely design scaffold structures, potentially streamlining aspects of tissue engineering. However, the overall tissue growth process still requires time for cells to develop and integrate within the scaffold. In the past, lab-grown samples could take weeks to complete and mature. Additionally, they are time-consuming to gather or create on an individual basis. This new 3D printing method improves efficiency, eliminates waste, and provides much faster print times.
Flexibility
One of the main benefits of this research is its flexibility. The team noted that they could alter many aspects of the cell’s development simply by changing the size and location of the scaffolding to each other. This flexibility will allow engineers to create the exact type of tissue needed to ensure their latest treatments remain effective.
Availability
Another major benefit of this research is the fact that 3D-printed tissue is far more accessible than traditionally lab-grown samples. Enabling drug manufacturers to easily print tissue will result in faster and more thorough drug inspections. In the future, this style of 3D printer may be found in your local healthcare facility where it could serve several roles in your treatment process.
Bioelectronic Scaffolds applications
There’s a long list of potential applications for this technology. You could see a day when these structures are used to support human tissue repair or implants. It’s ideal for this scenario because it can be created quickly, customized to patients’ requirements, and can support direct electronic and sensor integrations.
The ability to 3D print implants, pacemakers, and other smart technology is sure to change the market. In the future, this technology will make lighter, faster, and stronger devices that are more durable and mimic your skin tissue. These devices will be loaded with sensors that will provide valuable insight into every aspect of your health.
Additionally, this research will lead to more in-depth studies around cellular activity, unlocking new biophysical links that engineers never suspected. As such, engineers can use this tech to ensure that new drugs receive the highest level of testing before approval, lowering the risk of malpractice and injury.
Bioelectronic Scaffolds Researchers
Research into bioelectronic scaffolds was led by Alexandra Rutz and Somtochukwu Okafor from Washington University in St. Louis. Since publishing their findings, the team has applied for a patent on its bioelectronic scaffolding. Now, the group seeks to expand testing to demonstrate the resilience of these scaffolds in real-world environments and as a viable treatment policy.
Leading Biotech Companies
The field of bioelectronics is on the rise. Artificial intelligence and other technologies continue to push this industry toward innovative results. Today, biotech continues to reshape the world you live in. Here’s one company that has pioneered the biotechnology market via its unique offerings and products.
Vertex Pharmaceutical (VRTX -0.78%) entered the market in 19898. It was founded by Joshua Boger and Kevin J. Kinsella to help medical professionals find better treatment processes for serious diseases.
Since its launch, the company has succeeded in getting FDA approval on multiple drugs like Kalydeco, Orkambi, Symdeko, and Trikafta/Kaftrio which are designed to fight cell disease like cystic fibrosis. As such, the company continues to pioneer new biotech solutions in the market.
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (VRTX -0.78%)
Vertex Pharmaceuticals recently introduced gene-editing therapies for beta-thalassemia and sickle-cell disease, demonstrating the vital role they play in innovating the marketplace. This release shows the company’s trajectory towards helping to resolve many of the world’s most pressing disease-related issues.
Those seeking a reliable and well-established biotech stock should consider VRTX. Analysts consider VRTX as a strong “HOLD” for traders due to the company’s innovative ventures and market positioning. Also, it has an established reputation and would be among the first companies to benefit from further biotech advancements.
Bioelectronic Scaffolds a Bright Future
The introduction of a cheaper and more reliable way to build cell structures will have a profound effect across medical and other industries. The faster new treatments get tested, the better it is for everyone. For now, the future of cell growth and medical research appears to be on the brink of some major discoveries thanks to the innovative research demonstrated by this team.
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Study Reference:
1. Okafor, S. S., Park, J., Liu, T., Goestenkors, A. P., Alvarez, R. M., Semar, B. A., Yu, J. S., O’Hare, C. P., Montgomery, S. K., Friedman, L. C., & Rutz, A. L. (2025). 3D printed bioelectronic scaffolds with soft tissue-like stiffness. Advanced Materials Technologies. https://doi.org/10.1002/admt.202401528