The World’s Smallest Bioprinter Aims to Repair Vocal Cords from the Inside
A bioprinter just 2.7 mm wide could revolutionize vocal cord surgery by printing healing hydrogels directly onto tissue in real time. Inspired by the world’s largest land mammal, this tiny device was developed by researchers at McGill University in Canada.
The bioprinter features a flexible, trunk-like nozzle, similar to an elephant’s trunk, allowing its soft robotic arm to bend, twist, and move with precision in confined spaces. Mounted on a surgical microscope, it enables surgeons to manually deposit biomaterials inside the throat without obstructing visibility, overcoming a key limitation of traditional injection tools.
“Like an elephant’s trunk, the bioprinter’s soft robotic arm can bend, twist, and move with precision in tight spaces.”
Published in Device on October 29, this innovative method enhances precision in in situ tissue repair and potentially reduces post-operative scarring that often impairs patients’ speech.
- Between 3% and 9% of people will experience voice disorders caused by cysts, polyps, or cancerous growths on vocal cords.
- Although surgical removal is common, the healing process can lead to fibrosis—stiff scar tissue that restricts vocal fold vibration and hampers speech.
- Hydrogels are currently used by surgeons to soften scar tissue and promote tissue regeneration.
Impact and Benefits
This micro bioprinter could significantly improve healing outcomes by applying hydrogels precisely where needed during surgery, helping patients recover clearer vocal function faster.
Author’s summary: A rice-grain-sized bioprinter inspired by elephant trunks enables heightened precision in vocal cord repair, aiming to reduce scarring and improve speech recovery after surgery.