Scientists have presented a 3D-printed penile implant for animals

An international team of researchers has developed a new approach for functional penile implants. Using 3D printing technology, scientists from the USA, Japan and China were able to create a biomimetic model of the penis and successfully test it in animal experiments. The results were published in the journal Nature Biomedical Engineering.

The research team focused on the corpus spongiosum, a spongy tissue structure that surrounds the urethra and plays a central role in erection. This tissue is often irreversibly damaged by injury or certain diseases. The aim of the study was to develop a structured scaffold construction made of a hydrogel-based material that mimics the natural properties of the tissue and functionally replaces it.

The researchers used a 3D-printed implant that can simulate the mechanical properties of natural tissue. The implant was transplanted into pigs and rabbits with partial tissue damage. In a further series of experiments, the implants were additionally seeded with endothelial cells from the respective animals in order to increase the probability of successful tissue integration.

The results showed that the implants with endothelial cells enabled significantly improved tissue regeneration. The animals regained their normal erectile function within a few weeks and were able to reproduce successfully. The researchers considered this to be decisive proof of the functionality of the printed tissue.

The study demonstrates a proof-of-concept that could potentially improve the treatment of urogenital tissue damage. While current research is limited to animal testing, the technology could contribute to the development of functional implants for humans in the long term. However, the scientists emphasize that further studies are needed to ensure the long-term stability and safety of the implants.

In addition to applications in urology, these results could also affect other organic structures with a high blood vessel density. In the long term, 3D-printed implants for vascular and soft tissue could significantly expand regenerative medicine.