Researchers develop new organ regeneration technique London – Naeem Arzu Medical researchers have developed a way of repairing bodily organs, similar to the way a spider spins its web. Scientists at the University College London , UCL, used a constant stream of cells mixed with a polymer to ‘weave’ new cells.
The technique was tested by constructing blood vessels in mice.
The new regeneration method is one of a number of ways scientists aim to use to grow organs in the laboratory.  Some start by using a ‘synthetic scaffold’ which is then seeded with the patient’s own cells, and then implanted into the body.  A number of patients have had new bladders ‘built’ this war.
The new technique uses ‘Electrospinning’ technology to weave cells around a stencil moult.  The team at UCL said the new method will overcome obstacles such as seeding a scaffold by building the cells into the transplant in the first place.
An initial broth of cells and polymer is made, and then a 10,000 volt electric needle is used to draw out a fibre.
In an interview with the BBC, Doctor Suwan Jayasinghe said, “Like a spider weaves its web we are able to draw out this continuous fibre of polymer and cells and weave a web.  We could make one as thick as a mattress and the cells will be embedded right through it.\"
Electrospinning has been used to create blood vessels by cross-stitching polymer fibres on to a rotating cylinder which is partially submerged in a nutrient liquid to nourish the new cells.