Scientists say 3D-printed organs could be used in transplants in just 20 years after the world’s ‘first’ 3D-printed heart was created.

Tel Aviv University used human cells to print a thumb size heart in just three hours.

The heart does not beat or circulate blood but researchers are hopeful they can one day create 3D organs to be used for transplants.

University of Sydney Professor Hala Zreiqat tells John Stanley this is “realistic” and could take about 20 to 30 years.

“We can make something that looks like a heart in a dish, but to translate that into something that works in the body… we’re far away.

“We are on the right track, given the right amount of funding… we can [speed up] that progress to less than 20 years.”

She says the use of these organs could significantly extend the lifespan of patients.

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