Scientists Create 3D-Printed Vegan Nose for Surgery

Swansea University scientists are developing a 3D-printed nose made from artificial cartilage that could be a game-changer for people who have lost their noses due to accidents or cancer. Currently, surgeons need to extract cartilage from victims’ ribs to create the superstructure of a new nose, requiring multiple operations in which up to three lower ribs are removed. The procedure can result in long-term health problems, and the cartilage obtained is less flexible and more brittle than that of the nose, making it less than ideal.

Source: NBC News/Youtube

The 3D-printed vegan nose is made of nanocellulose hydrogel, which is pulped softwood, and hyaluronic acid, which is found in various skin creams and facial fillers. A biological catalyst is added to the mixture to “cure” it after being 3D printed. Cartilage cells from the patient’s body are taken and multiplied in a lab, then placed in a solution. The artificial cartilage, which is just a scaffold, is then bathed in the cell solution. Over time, these colonize the structure and stiffen it up, before it is surgically implanted. The technique can also be used to rebuild damaged ears.

According to trainee surgeon Thomas Jovic, the nanocellulose hydrogel and hyaluronic acid are both naturally derived products, making this vegan nose sustainable and eco-friendly. Jovic and Professor Iain Whitaker, chair of plastic surgery at Swansea University Medical School, presented their work to the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons, which is supporting them, as are the Royal College of Surgeons and the Scar Free Foundation, a charity.

The 3D-printed nose could be a revolution in plastic surgery. The exciting part of this research is that we are taking 3D-printing technology and marrying it with tissue engineering to create a biological tissue. This process increases personalisation and creates a permanent solution via a process that is much less complex than traditional procedures, reducing operative hours and eliminating the need to manually carve the nose structure.

The scientists’ next steps are to check the material does not provoke an immune reaction and start trials in animals. Clinical translation of this work could revolutionize plastic surgery.

As a society, we are becoming more aware of the impact we have on the planet, and scientists are continually looking for ways to develop more sustainable products. The 3D-printed nose is a perfect example of how science and technology can help reduce our impact on the planet while also providing innovative solutions to medical problems. It is inspiring to see how researchers are utilizing sustainable materials such as pulped softwood to develop biodegradable, plant-based products. We must continue to Support and encourage these researchers to come up with sustainable and eco-friendly solutions to address our pressing medical needs.

The 3D-printed vegan nose is a groundbreaking development in plastic surgery. Not only does it provide a solution to the traditional nose reconstruction surgery, but it is also environmentally friendly and sustainable. As consumers, we must demand that more researchers explore sustainable materials and methods to provide innovative solutions to medical problems. Our call to action should be to Support and encourage these researchers to come up with more sustainable and eco-friendly solutions to address pressing medical needs.

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