A research team from the University of California, San Diego has developed an internal 3D printing technique using focused ultrasound, allowing objects to be created directly within the body without surgical intervention. The method is based on a special liquid polymer that solidifies when exposed to ultrasound waves, reports the Baltimore Chronicle, citing Korrespondent.net.
In laboratory trials, the scientists demonstrated the ability to fabricate complex three-dimensional structures in water and within pig liver tissue. Notably, they printed a spiral and the letter “R” with precision, showcasing the capability to control the shape of an object in a confined space.
Unlike conventional 3D printing, which involves layer-by-layer deposition of material externally, the new technique works by focusing ultrasound waves on a target point, triggering polymerization exactly where the polymer is activated. This eliminates the need for incisions or invasive procedures.
According to the developers, the method could be applied in medicine for tissue regeneration, implant fabrication, or even precise drug delivery. The polymer composition was specifically adapted to ensure biocompatibility, and the process can be accurately controlled from outside the body.
Although the research is still in its early stages, experiments have already demonstrated the promise of this technology. In the future, it may become the basis for new non-invasive treatment methods that merge medicine and advanced technology.
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