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Feruary 2013

First Printer for Human Stem Cells – What it Means for Aesthetic Medicine


According to a February 5, 2013 article in Scientific American, a study conducted by researchers from the University of Edinburgh produced a printer that discharges live embryonic stem cells.

This technology is still nascent but, after its earliest uses, biomedical researchers realized that they might apply the same technology to their work in cosmetics and aesthetic medicine.

These scientists have been working for many years to develop the possibilities in stem cells.

These are cells found in the human body that retain the ability to transform into any cell used in human organs and tissues.

The most potent of these cells are embryonic stem cells.

In a return to its origins, this 3D printer actually squirts out ink. The ink, in this case, is a bio-ink. Two such inks are combined to create stem cell droplets.

The first variety of ink contains the stem cells in a medium known as a nutrient broth.

The second ink contains more of the nutrients without any mixture of stem cells. The printer layers the stem cells in wells where the stem cells are suspended.

So far, tests have shown that the stem cells remain viable for many days in this environment.

As much as three days later, nearly 90% of the cells were still capable of development into new cell types.

The printer spits out cell droplets of the same size in a way that allows the cells to remain alive so they can be used to develop into a number of cell types.

With this printing method, a number of possibilities are presented. This new technology might be utilized for a number of cosmetic procedures including removing wrinkles, improving skin tone, rejuvenating tired, aged skin and even re-growing hair.

Dr. Simon Ourian, Medical Director of Epione Beverly Hills, believes this study shows promise for the future of aesthetic medicine. He says, “Although this project is in its early stages, it has tremendous upside. After repeated testing, improvements, and approvals, I can see this technology becoming well integrated into what we do."

The printer might also be used to produce three-dimensional human tissues to grow vital organs for transplants, study, and for testing the effects of new drugs. In the future, the printer might even be used to print human cells directly into the body.

Stem cells are technically called hESCs or human Embryonic Stem Cells, which are extracted from a human embryo. From there, the cells can be grown into virtually any type of cell found in a living adult individual - from muscle, skin and bone to brain tissue.

Using stem cells for aesthetic medicine may eliminate many of the potential risks and complications that currently accompany cosmetic procedures.

This new treatment would be sourced from the patient's own blood in order to extract the PRP or Autologous Platelet Rich Plasma. Since the material is sourced from the patient's own blood, there is no risk of rejection. One merely uses one’s own tissue in order to heal, renew and regenerate damaged tissue.

“It truly is an exciting time to be practicing aesthetic medicine,” says Dr. Ourian. “The idea that we can use the body to heal and improve itself seems like the stuff of science fiction. I eagerly await the results of future studies.”

Dr. Ourian has been a pioneer in laser technology and non-invasive aesthetic procedures including Restylane, Juvéderm, Radiesse and Sculptra. These treatments are used for the correction or reversal of a variety of conditions such as acne, acne scars, skin discoloration, wrinkles, stretch marks, varicose veins, cellulite, and others. More information about 3D printing of stem cells can be found on Epione’s website.

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