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World’s smallest 3D bioprinter could rebuild tissue during surgery

Flexible device inspired by an elephant’s trunk can deliver healing hydrogels.
By
  1. Jenna Ahart

Inspired by the world’s largest land animal, researchers have created and tested what they say is the world’s smallest 3D bioprinter. The device — which sports a 2.7-millimetre-wide print head at the end of a long, flexible arm that moves like an elephant’s trunk — might one day assist physicians by delivering healing hydrogels during surgery.

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doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-025-03538-y

References

  1. Groen, S. A. T. et al. Device 4, 100973 (2025).

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  2. Walimbe, T., Panitch, A. & Sivasankar, P. M. J. Voice 31, 416–423 (2017).

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