Using 3-D printer and stem cells to grow replacement bone

Published: May 18, 2017, 12:17 p.m.

b'Scientists from Upstate Medical University and Syracuse University have teamed up to build replacement bones, essentially from scratch. SU\'s Scientists from Upstate Medical University and Syracuse University have teamed up to build replacement bones, essentially from scratch. SU\'s Pranav Soman, PhD (at left in photo), Pranav Soman, PhD (at left in photo), an an assistant professor of biomedical and chemical engineering assistant professor of biomedical and chemical engineering, uses a 3-D printer to develop polymer-based "scaffolding." Upstate\'s, uses a 3-D printer to develop polymer-based "scaffolding." Upstate\'s Jason Horton, PhD Jason Horton, PhD (at right), an assistant professor of orthopedic surgery and cell and developmental biology, adds stem cells. Their hope is to create bones that can be used in place of diseased or damaged bones. As the polymer naturally and harmlessly breaks down, the stem cells grow into bone. The researchers discuss their work and its future application. (at right), an assistant professor of orthopedic surgery and cell and developmental biology, adds stem cells. Their hope is to create bones that can be used in place of diseased or damaged bones. As the polymer naturally and harmlessly breaks down, the stem cells grow into bone. The researchers discuss their work and its future application.'