Part 6/11:
Creating a bioink suitable for printing a heart is a monumental task. It must contain various cell types, each with different needs, and possess precise material properties to maintain shape and function. Professor Yong demonstrated the difficulties: the bioink tends to drip or flow away because of low viscosity, and higher viscosity inks risk damaging cells during extrusion due to stress. And even with perfect conditions, it could take over 30 years of research before printing a fully functional human heart becomes a reality.