3D bioprinting company Aspect Biosystems announces it has raised US$20 million from investors. The Canadian company is using the money to further develop its technology for 3D printing human tissue.
Aspect Biosystems is the developer of a 3D printer capable of printing biological tissue. To do this, the company uses a technology called microfluidic 3D bioprinting. The technology enables the creation of complex and functional human tissues. These can be used for a variety of applications, ranging from medical research and testing new therapies to the development of regenerative medication.
RX1 Bioprinter
Aspect Biosystems' 3D printer is called the RX1™ Bioprinter. The device enables micro-resolution printing at high speed. The printer is suitable for various biomaterials.
The printer features microfluidic print heads. These are fitted with valves that can stop or start the supply of biomaterial. This makes it possible to switch quickly between different biomaterials and also accurately determine the diameter of the printed material.
Bioink customisable
The bioink that the RX1 can print with is customisable. By changing the composition of bioink, it is possible to determine the stiffness of printed tissue, among other things. This makes the bioink suitable for various applications.
Users control the printer using software. This solution integrates the design and printing process into one solution. The software helps users fine-tune and optimise their design.
Muscle and metabolic abnormalities and diseases
Muscle injuries and diseases and metabolic abnormalities and diseases are currently the focus of Aspect Biosystems. The company is deploying its bioprinting technology to address muscle injuries, for example by printing an artificial meniscus. The company is also focusing on combining its 3D bioprinting platform with stem cell technologies to develop new regenerative medications for metabolic abnormalities and diseases.
Several investors are putting money into Aspect Biosystems. Among others, venture capital firms Radical Ventures, Pangaea Ventures, Pallasite Ventures and Rhino Ventures are putting money into the Canadian company.
Maastricht University has been working with Aspect Biosystems since December 2018. The university is deploying an RX1 Bioprinter for kidney tissue development led by Dr Carlos Mota, principal investigator in bioprinting at Maastricht University.
Author: Wouter Hoeffnagel
