Lasers key to creating lab-grown transplant organs?
Researchers from the University of Washington say a new technique could help create lab-grown, fully functional organs ready for transplant
By Study Finds Image by www_slon_pics from Pixabay
While scientifically-designed human organs may sound like science fiction, many labs across the world are hoping to one day make them reality.
Before an organ can be made in a lab however, researchers say there are two major hurdles to overcome.
The first is creating a biologically compatible 3D scaffold in which cells can grow. The second is triggering cells to grow into the desired organ or tissue.
The researcher's new approach uses a near infrared laser to trigger proteins to stick to a scaffold made from collagen.
The researchers were able to create any shape they wanted from the laser-created proteins.