Bioprinting is one of the latest and greatest medical breakthroughs of today. However, it doesn't come without its fair share of risks. Along with ethical concerns, bioprinting is also very costly and can end up being more harmful than beneficial. |
- Difficulty keeping cells alive: Cells and tissues must receive adequate amounts of nutrients and oxygen, otherwise they will die. In the body, these necessities are provided through blood vessels. However, these are hard to print in such a small amount of space. Usually, tissues created in a lab are difficult to keep alive after leaving the petri dish, resulting in the death of may cells.
- Liability: While the chance is slim, there is always a chance that the printed organ will fail. If this does happen, who is responsible? The scientists who researched the technology? The programmers and manufacturers of the printer? Or the health care providers that may have recommended and/or surgically inserted the tissue and organ? There really is no simple answer. Matthew L. Cohn, senior vice president and global head of life sciences insurance practice at Alliant Insurance Services said, "...but when there is the inevitable litigation, most every party up and down through the supply chain will be named in a lawsuit.
- Availability and cost: Although having organs printed does mean spending less time on a waiting list, it comes with a cost. Developing this technology is expensive and it brings in little profit. As a result, printed organs are very pricey. Because prices are so high, the average person would not be able to afford such a luxury. The only people that would be able to pay for this personalized treatment would be the wealthy.
- Regulations: Another issue that is an obstacle for bioprinting are the regulations of the FDA. It will take years for companies to be approved by the FDA. There are other countries in the world where regulations aren't as strict. While this may seem like a good thing, this can lead to faulty technology and shady companies.
"Gartner predicts that by 2018, 3D printing will result in the loss of at least $100 billion a year in IP." This is a huge loss and biotech companies already bring in little profit.
For more information, visit:
http://www.computerworld.com/article/2486998/emerging-technology/bio-printing-human-parts-will-spark-ethical--regulatory-debate.html
http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2013/jul/17/3d-printing-organs-money
For more information, visit:
http://www.computerworld.com/article/2486998/emerging-technology/bio-printing-human-parts-will-spark-ethical--regulatory-debate.html
http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2013/jul/17/3d-printing-organs-money