# 3D-Printed Human Organs BIOLIFE4D Has Created a Small to Scale 3D Printed Human Heart By Daniel Johnson | Published 2019-09-09 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3d-printed-human-heart References: [engadget](https://www.engadget.com/2019/09/09/biolife4d-3d-bioprints-mini-human-heart/) & [biolife4d](https://biolife4d.com/) BIOLIFE4D, a Chicago-based company, has created a small 3D-printed human heart. The heart has the same inner-workings as a full-sized heart and was entirely 3D-printed. BIOLIFE4D's 3D-printed human heart was created using cells from cardiac muscle, which are also called cardiomyocytes. The heart was then comprised of [bioink](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3dprinting-resin), which was created using extracellular matrix compounds which mimic the tissue of a human heart. BIOLIFE4D has goals to eventually be able to bioprint a fully functioning human heart. 3D printed organs would be able to replace the need for organ donations and provide much faster organ replacements to patients in need. The company was first able to [bioprint cardiac tissue](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3d-biotissues-and-seawith) in June of 2018, and this most recent achievement builds toward the company's goals. Image Credit: BIOLIFE4D ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.8/10 - Popularity: 79% | Activity: 87% | Freshness: 9% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Science](https://www.trendhunter.com/science) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Bioprinting Human Organs:** The development of 3D printing technology in bioprinting human organs has the potential to revolutionize the field of medicine. - **Organ Shortage Solutions:** The use of 3D-printed human organs can address the global shortage of organs for transplants, providing a viable solution for patients in need. - **Advancements in Tissue Engineering:** The ability to 3D print functioning human organs is driving advancements in tissue engineering, leading to new opportunities in regenerative medicine. ### Where This Applies - **Medical Technology:** The medical technology industry can leverage 3D printing human organs to improve patient outcomes and revolutionize the field of organ transplantation. - **Biotechnology:** The biotechnology industry can explore the use of 3D-printed human organs to develop new therapies and personalized medicine. - **Pharmaceuticals:** The pharmaceutical industry can collaborate with 3D printing companies to enhance drug testing and develop more effective treatments by using 3D-printed human organ models. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Biocompatible Printing Inks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/organ-on-chip-bioprinting.md) - [Living Printable Materials](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/living-ink.md) - [Fully Recyclable 3D-Printed Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/biohome3d.md) - [Synthetic Fiber Heart Valves](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wyss-institute.md) - [Patented 3D-Printed Bone Implants](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/p3d-bone.md) - [3D-Printed Medical Implants](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ossiform.md) - [Bio-Printed Fish Fillets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cultivated-fish-fillet.md) - [3D-Printed Bone Implants](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bellaseno.md) - [Plant-Based 3D-Printed Meat](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/forma-foods.md)