Researcher Using Polymers to Rebuild Human Tissue

[chilacas]

http://kingstonherald.com/tech/resea...tissu-20103847


A Queen’s University chemical engineering professor, along with scientists from the University of Western Ontario and University of Toronto, is researching the development of using microscopic polymer fibers to help rebuild human tissue and increase the healing process.

Professor Brian Amsden says he hopes that in 10 years a tendon, spinal cord or heart valve will be able to regenerate itself after an injury or disease due to this innovation.

Dr. Amsden is attempting to develop a technique where stem cells from fat are placed on a polymer prosthetic that then stimulates cell growth which is then implanted it into a person’s body. His findings were recently presented at the Advanced Foods and Materials Network annual conference in Halifax.

The procedure is considered less intrusive that contemporary treatments because, as Dr. Amsden states it, “The only thing that isn’t you is the polymer which is biodegradable and eventually disappears, so all you have left is your own tissues.”

Tissue engineering was first proposed in mid 1980s and using polymers to help stimulate the process came about in the early 1990s. And this latest development would be of great benefit to Canada’s aging population – many of whom are determined to remain active as the grow older and open themselves up to an increase chance of injury.

[lunasicc42]

10 years? I am hoping not

[KIM]

As long it really 10 years and not a single year more it is ok for me. Anyway I think it is going to be sooner. 2013