Can AI print human organs? Washington State University study offers a glimpse into future

The AI algorithm can offer researchers the perfect settings and combinations to create intricate structures.

Researchers develop AI algorithm to 3D print models of human organs.

The work has been funded by the National Science Foundation, WSU Startup, and Cougar Cage Funds. (Image created using DALL-E 3)

From enhancing workplace productivity to assisting with the early detection of cancer, AI is making significant strides across industries. But, ever thought if AI could print human organs? Distant, yet this could be a possibility. Researchers at Washington State University recently developed a technique using AI known as Bayesian Optimisation that can significantly improve the speed and efficiency of 3D printing of lifelike human organs.

The study published in the journal Advanced Materials Technologies states that this AI technique could allow for more seamless use of 3D printing for complex designs in everything from artificial organs to electronic components and even wearable biosensors. The biggest breakthrough here is that this AI algorithm will now allow researchers to use 3D printing to build even some of the most complex structures.

According to a report in the WSU Insider, as part of the study, the algorithm learned to identify and later print the best versions of kidney and prostate organ models. The model printed 60 continually improving versions of these organs. Kaiyan Qiu, co-corresponding author on the paper and berry assistant professor in the WSU School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering said that one can optimise the results, saving time, cost, and labour.

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Even though the use of 3D printing has been growing in recent years, developing the correct settings for their printing projects is still a tough task for engineers. This is because they have to decide on materials, the printer configuration, and the dispensing pressure of the nozzle. Jana Doppa, co-corresponding author and Huie-Rogers endowed chair associate of computer science at WSU said that the sheer number of combinations is ‘overwhelming, and each trial costs time and money.

What does the model do?

Reportedly, the AI algorithm strikes a balance between geometric precision, density, and printing time to create organ models that look and feel authentic. As mentioned earlier, it printed continually improving versions of organ models as this approach reportedly reduces the time and materials needed to find optimal 3D printing settings for complex objects.

The technology if materialised has potential applications much beyond medicine, such as computer science, aviation, and automotive industries. According to the WSU Insider, the 3D-printed human models can be used in training surgeons or evaluating implant devices. However, these models would be required to include mechanical and physical properties of the real-life organ including veins, arteries, channels, etc.

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The researchers initially trained the computer program to print a surgical rehearsal model of a prostate. According to the report, since the algorithm is broadly generalisable the researchers were able to change it easily with small tunings to create the kidney model.

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artificial intelligence