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A team at the �ʹڲ�Ʊ Medical Robotics Lab is developing a surgical tool that could revolutionise the treatment of gastrointestinal and other diseases before the end of this decade.

The is a soft robotic device that can 3D-print biomaterials directly onto organs inside a patient’s body. It incorporates a minuscule but highly manoeuvrable 3D-printer nozzle, smaller than the tip of a little finger, mounted on three flexible soft robotic fibres. The robotic fibres themselves attach to a slim, snake-like tool that can be inserted like an endoscope in a minimally invasive procedure. 

Gastrointestinal issues including colorectal cancer (bowel cancer), ulcers and autoimmune conditions such as Crohn’s disease . In Australia, by the age of 85. Being able to kickstart gut repair or replacement by placing drugs or living cells directly onto areas of damaged tissue could speed recovery times and make medical intervention more efficient, for the benefit of both patients and the health system more broadly.

A big step in 3D bioprinting

The F3BD has been developed to proof-of-concept stage by a team led by Dr Thanh Nho Do, Director of the �ʹڲ�Ʊ Medical Robotics Lab, and his PhD student,��Mai Thanh Thai, in collaboration with colleagues including Scientia Professor Nigel Lovell,��Dr Hoang-Phuong Phan, and Associate Professor Jelena Rnjak-Kovacina.

When the team published their research in early 2023, they knew they had delivered a game changer. 

“Existing 3D bioprinting techniques create the patch outside the body. Placing that patch in a patient usually requires large open surgery that increases infection risks,” explains Do. “There is also the risk that a patch or structure will be contaminated or damaged during manual handling, or that it will not perfectly match the affected tissue as it’s meant to. Our F3DB prototype will avoid all those issues as its flexible body means it can 3D print multilayered biomaterials even in hard-to-reach areas.” 

Developing an all-in-one endoscopic tool

The researchers are keen to turn the FD3B into an all-in-one surgical tool that can be used as an electric scalpel to remove lesions, direct water through a nozzle to clean the site, then print biomaterials to promote healing of the wound. There are also plans to integrate a camera and real-time scanning system.

“Evolving the F3DB into an all-in-one endoscopic tool will avoid the use of changeable tools which are normally associated with longer procedural time and infection risks,” adds Mai.

The system has already gained a provisional patent. The next stage along the path to commercialisation involves testing with animals. The team anticipates that with further funding and development, clinicians could be using the F3DB as part of routine practice within just five to seven years.  

The potential for soft robotics systems is huge, according to Do. 

“They are less bulky and more responsive than conventional cable mechanisms and, being soft, they are safe to use inside the human body,” he says. “I’m using soft robotics to address some of the limitations of existing devices and to broaden treatment options for people living with disease,” he explains. 

“Ultimately, my research vision is to combine robotic, surgical and wearable devices to improve Australians’ quality of life.”