# 3D-Printed Ears University of Wollongong Researchers Advance Reconstructive Surgery with 3D Alek By Kalin Ned | Published 2019-03-27 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3dprinted-ears References: [dezeen](https://www.dezeen.com/2019/03/25/3d-printing-human-ears-university-of-wollongong/#disqus_thread) & [uow.edu.au](https://www.uow.edu.au/index.html) Researchers from the [University of Wollongong](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3dprinting-resin) in Australia are revolutionizing reconstructive surgery through the development of a bioprinter that can produce ultra-realistic 3D-printed ears. The machine — which is simply nicknamed '3D Alek,' makes use of stem cells as bio-ink. This has been developed through a collaboration between the University of Wollongong and the [Australian National Fabrication Facility](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/poco-vino). The creators refer to the 3D-printed ears as "living ears." The highly specialized machine has already been placed in practice at the [Royal Prince Alfred Hospital](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/airbourne-reserve) in Sydney which is "the first hospital in New South Wales to have the high-tech 3D bioprinter on-site." 3D Alek is an extremely important milestone. Not only does it produce realistic 3D-printed ears but it also brings scientists closer to developing "a complex medical procedure for children with microtia." ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.8/10 - Popularity: 30% | Activity: 45% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Gen Alpha, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Health](https://www.trendhunter.com/health) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Bioprinting Advancements:** The development of the bioprinter '3D Alek' demonstrates significant advancements in the field of bioprinting. - **Reconstructive Surgery Innovation:** The use of 3D-printed ears created with stem cells opens up new possibilities for more realistic and effective reconstructive surgery procedures. - **Regenerative Medicine Breakthrough:** The collaboration between the University of Wollongong and the Australian National Fabrication Facility showcases a major breakthrough in the field of regenerative medicine. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Medical Devices:** The 3D-printed ears present an opportunity for companies in the medical devices industry to develop innovative products for reconstructive surgery. - **Biotechnology:** The advancements in bioprinting using stem cells create potential for disruptive innovation in the biotechnology industry. - **Healthcare:** The application of 3D-printed ears in reconstructive surgery can lead to advancements in healthcare practices and patient outcomes. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [3D-Prinited Earbuds](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/campfire-audio.md) - [3D-Printed Bone Implants](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bellaseno.md) - [3D-BioPrinted Space Projects](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/redwire-1.md) - [Desktop Medical 3D Printers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/einstein-dental.md) - [3D-Printed Medical Implants](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ossiform.md) - [Alternative Microfabrication 3D Printers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/b9-creations.md) - [3D Printed Medical Food](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gastronology.md) - [3D Printed Medical Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vsp-bolus.md) - [Patented 3D-Printed Bone Implants](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/p3d-bone.md)