In the platform, a 3d-printed heart based on human cells will be used, which has been developed by the Laboratory for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine led by Prof. Tal Dvir.

It resembles real heart tissue and has heart muscle cells, blood vessels, and the necessary extracellular matrix. After the validation study, such 3D-printed hearts will be used for drug screening to reduce animal testing.

Prof. Dvir hopes to be able to offer preclinical studies on complete printed organs in the near future. For example, the entire human heart, including its various chambers, valves, arteries, and veins, will be reproduced in the printer. In the long run, the scientists also want to offer real human donor organs with the printer.

Sources and further information:
https://ramot.org/news/2020/bayer-pharmaceuticals-will-test-new-drugs-using-human-heart-tissues-3d-printed-in-tel-aviv-university
https://ramot.org/
https://matricelf.com/