03 November 2011

Engineers Australia Victorian Division recognizes Invetech and Organovo for 3D bioprinter Excellence in Engineering

Invetech, an innovator in new product development and manufacturing for the biomedical, industrial and consumer markets, has been recognized by the Victoria Division of Engineers Australia with the 2011 Engineering Excellence Award for Research & Development/Innovation. The award recognises and showcases engineering expertise from Invetech and Organovo in the development of the world's first commercial 3D bio-printer.

Keith Murphy, CEO of Organovo, based in San Diego, said the bioprinter represented a breakthrough because for the first time a flexible technology platform exists for organizations working on tissue construction and organ replacement.

"Scientists and engineers can use the 3D bio printers to enable placing cells of almost any type into a desired pattern in 3D," said Murphy. "Researchers can place liver cells on a preformed scaffold, support kidney cells with a co-printed scaffold, or form adjacent layers of epithelial and stromal soft tissue that grow into a mature tooth. Ultimately the idea would be for surgeons to have tissue on demand for various uses, and the best way to do that is get a number of 3D bio-printers in the hands of researchers throughout the U.S."

The 3D bio-printers include an intuitive software interface that allows engineers to build a model of the tissue construct before the printer commences the physical constructions of the organs cell-by-cell using automated, laser-calibrated print heads.

Organovo selected Invetech as their technology development partner. "We selected Invetech because of their capabilities for sophisticated engineering and automation, cultural fit as a long term partner and their consideration towards protecting Organovo's bioprinting IP and maximizing our commercial return on the program. They have good processes for product development and project management, and it was apparent that project execution would be handled very well. Invetech really offered the best overall package." said Mr. Murphy.