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Candy Coating Inspires Lab-Grown Blood Vessels

Posted by samzenpus on from the tastes-healthy dept.

sciencehabit writes "Scientists have developed a water-soluble carbohydrate glass based on a decoration used on cakes and lollipops. The material can be cast into a variety of shapes, is completely nontoxic, and, when it has done its job, will dissolve naturally in the moist environment of lab-grown tissue, leaving behind spaces that can carry blood to cells. The advance solves one of the major problems of growing new organs in the laboratory."

2 of 25 comments (clear)

  1. Video of 3D Sugar Printing for this project by jmil · · Score: 5, Informative

    Here's an official video overview from University of Pennsylvania: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9VHFlwJQIkE

    --
    I wish I were old enough to put "Computer" on my resume.
  2. Re:Everybody sing by wierd_w · · Score: 4, Funny

    Who can take a stem cell... And cover it with goo?
    Whip it in a blender and make a liver made for you?

    The candy man! The candy man can!

    Who make IPS culture, and slather it with Gly....
    Shape it in a scaffold and make a kidney for some guy?

    The candy man! The candy man can!