Tel Aviv (Israel) University researchers generated functional spinal cord, cardiac, cortical and adipogenic tissue implants from personalized hydrogels, according to results detailed in Advanced Materials.
Here are three things to know:
1. Researchers extracted pieces of omental tissues from patient. While the cells were reprogrammed to become induced pluripotent stem cells, study authors processed the extracellular matrix into an immunologically matching, thermoresponsive hydrogel.
2. Study authors observed efficient cell differentiation within a large 3D hydrogel, and several types of functional tissue implants were successfully generated.
"This versatile bioengineering approach may assist to regenerate any tissue and organ with a minimal risk for immune rejection," study authors conclude.
3. The research team is currently attempting to regenerate an injured spinal cord and an infarcted heart with spinal cord and cardiac implants. Researchers also began to investigate the potential of human dopaminergic implants for Parkinson's disease treatment in animal models.