"3D Printing" reaches new heights; creates "Bionic Ear"

Commitment to achieve excellence has always been guided by Innovation. Keeping this thought in mind, a group of scientists, including an Indian-origin researcher, has designed a 3D printed "bionic" ear that can "hear" radio frequencies far beyond the range of normal human capability.

For this, scientists at the Princeton University explored 3D printing of cells and nano particles, followed by cell culture to combine a small coil antenna with cartilage.

Michael McAlpine, an assistant professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering, said, Our work suggests a new approach - to build and grow the biology up with the electronics synergistically and in a 3D interwoven format. 

The team of scientists has used a new manufacturing approach called "3D Printing". These printers use computer-assisted design to conceive of objects as arrays of thin slices.

Market watchers believe that the experiment will help creating customized replacement parts for the human body.