Slovenian researchers for the first time fabricated a three-dimensional structure directly inside a living cell using 3D printing. For the experiment, they utilized a photoresist—a light-sensitive liquid generally considered harmful to cells, reports Naked Science.
The scientists employed the technique of two-photon polymerization. With this method, material solidification only occurs at the precise intersection point of two laser beams. This allowed them to form the object layer by layer inside the cell without causing complete damage. Residual photoresist, untouched by the laser, was dissolved away, leaving only the printed structure.
As a result, the researchers created an elephant figurine measuring approximately 10 micrometers, alongside microscopic patterns resembling a barcode. About half of the cells endured the process, and some were able to divide, passing the printed object on to daughter cells.
Moving forward, specialists plan to employ water-soluble photoresists to boost cell viability and fabricate more intricate architectures.
Title 2 (69 characters)Slovenian scientists printed a 3D object inside a living cell
Rewrite 2Researchers from Slovenia developed a method for 3D printing volumetric objects right inside living cells, which was previously considered unachievable. They used a photoresist and the laser technology of two-photon polymerization for this purpose, according to Naked Science.
With this approach, the material solidifies only within the area of simultaneous impact from two laser beams. This made it possible to form the object layer by layer inside the cell, and the unused photoresist subsequently dissolved.
During the trial, the scientists printed an elephant figurine about 10 micrometers in size. Approximately 50% of the cells survived the procedure, and some managed to reproduce, retaining the printed construction.
The developers believe the technology could be beneficial for delivering medicines into cells, marking them, and studying the interaction of live cells with foreign objects, reports bzzz.news.
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