Scientists at Cambridge University have shown proof-of-principle that an inkjet printer can be used to print retinal ganglion cells (yellow arrow in photo) and glial cells from adult rats.

“Our study has shown, for the first time, that cells derived from the mature central nervous system, the eye, can be printed using a piezoelectric inkjet printer,” the researchers wrote. “Although our results are preliminary and much more work is still required, the aim is to develop this technology for use in retinal repair in the future.”





Photo: University of Cambridge.
Lorber B, Hsiao WK, Hutchings IM, Martin KR. Adult rat retinal ganglion cells and glia can be printed by piezoelectric inkjet printing. Biofabrication. 2013 Dec 17;6(1):015001. [Epub ahead of print]