Chicago Biotech Company BIOLIFE4D 3D printed heart. © BIOLIFE4D

Chicago Biotech Company BIOLIFE4D, just announced it had successfully 3D-bioprinted a mini human heart. The heart that was printed had the same functioning and structure of a normal-sized human heart. The company boasts that this achievement is a significant step for the future of artificial viable heart transplants and can save countless lives.

The mini heart was printed with cardiac muscle cells that was derived from a patient including cardiomyocytes, and bioink made from extracellular matrix compounds which allow them to replicate the properties of the mammalian heart. The scientific milestone was accomplished at the Company’s research facility at JLABS in Houston, and led by Dr. Ravi Birla, the Company’s Chief Science Officer.

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 the full structure now. These milestones are a testament to the hard work of our team and the proprietary process we have developed that enables this type of scientific achievement, We believe we are at the forefront of whole heart bioengineering, a field that has matured quickly over the last year, and well-positioned to continue our rapid scientific advancement. Today is an exciting day, but we continue forward earnestly toward the end goal of 3D bioprinting whole human hearts.

Dr. Ravi Birla, Chief Science Officer, BIOLIFE4D

About BIOLIFE4D:

BIOLIFE4D is a pioneering biotech company laser-focused on leveraging advances in life sciences and tissue engineering to 3D bioprint a viable human heart suitable for transplant – lifesaving technology that gives patients the gift of time. With BIOLIFE4D, a patient-specific, fully functioning heart will be created through 3D bioprinting using the patient’s own cells – eliminating the well-known challenges of organ rejection and long donor waiting lists that plague existing organ transplant methods. Financed through equity crowdfunding, BIOLIFE4D is driving a movement to transform the treatment of heart disease, the leading cause of death among both men and women globally. Learn more and invest at biolife4d.com. Connect with us on social media on Twitter (@BIOLIFE4D), Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.