Biological Lego Blocks

Researchers at MIT Harvard Division of Health Sciences and Technology harnessed Biological Lego Blocks to build new organs. They achieve this by binding cells together into tiny block-like structures, which can recreate human tissues. And on top, the technique doesn’t need expensive machinery.

Researchers call the new technique “micromasonry”: once cells are bound into blocks using the polymer polyethylene glycol (PEG), which hardens when illuminated, researchers form small blocks and shine a bright light onto them. So they harden into form.

Once the Legos are built, they are loaded into a pre-made cast of a silicon based polymer called PDMS to create living human tissue. So far, only veins have been created. But in theory, entire organs can be realised with some cell differentiation and a larger mold.

MIT researchers involved in this LEGO project hope their technology will provide solutions to problems encountered with the former technologies.