The scientists from the University of Minnesota have first demonstrated technology, which combines 3D printing, stem cells and laboratory grown tissue to restore spinal cord injury. The work was published in the journal Advanced Healthcare Materials (AHM).
More than a hundred thousand people live on a spinal cord injury, and today there is no method that can completely eliminate the paralysis and decay caused by injury. The main difficulty is the death of nervous cells and the inability to grow again in the damaged area of fibers. New processing offers a solution for this problem.
Researchers have created a unique 3D printed frame, organized organoid "structure". They implanted the previously unique nerve cells of the spinal cord that were received from adult stem cells. This design defines the desired growth direction and shapes the "relay system" that allows you to bypass the damaged part.
While transplanting in a completely cut rat, these cells have successfully turned into neurons and have grown in two directions in two areas, joining the Lord's nervous chains. Over time, new cells have been integrated into tissue and provide significant functional recovery in animals.
"Rehabilitation medicine has opened a new era in the study of spinal cord injuries. We are excited to promote the potential of our development for clinical use, "said Neurosurgery Professor Anne Dance.
Although technology is still in its early stages, it opens a basic new path of therapy, which can help patients with severe spinal cord injuries in the future.
Translation: Euromedia24.com
