A team from the University of Texas at Austin have used DNA to DNA interactions to hold an extruded shape in place. The “colloidal gel” that results from this process is able to be shaped into centimeter-sized objects, suitable for bioprinting applications.
How does this work? They simply coat particles with specific DNA that exhibits “certain binding behavior”. In other words, when these DNA-coated particles are adjacent, DNA glues them together.
The major advantage of this process is that 3D printing does not involve heat, which typically damages biomaterial. Conventional 3D printers often melt a material during extrusion, whereupon it freezes solid when cooling. No such process here.
Read More at Fabbaloo