An exciting breakthrough in <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/3d-printing" target="_blank">3D printing</a> could revolutionize healthcare. Chinese biotech company Revotek just unveiled the world’s first 3D blood vessel bio-printer, taking us one step closer to 3D-printed human organs. "The creative breakthrough in the 3D blood vessel bio-printing means we have mastered the stem cell-based 3D bio-printing technology," said Revotek chairman Yang Keng.

To keep the cells alive and active, scientists must work in a carefully regulated environment.

According to 3ders, the key to Revotek’s technology are the Biosynsphere biological bricks, a stem cell culture system comprising seed cells and bio-inks.

The nutrient fluid is pumped into the middle of the rotating cylinder.

The nutrient fluid gradually seeps out of the rotating cylinder.

The inner cell layer is printed on.

Section diagram of two 3D-printed cell layers.

Conceptual image of 3D printing involuntary muscle cells.