(KINGSTON, ON.) Queen’s University Brian Amsden is hoping that in about 10 years a tendon, spinal cord or heart valve will be able to regenerate itself after an injury or disease.
The chemical engineering professor, along with scientists from the University of Western Ontario and University of Toronto, is currently trying to develop microscopic polymer fibers to help rebuild human tissue and speed the healing process.
While using polymers to help grow muscles may sound like something out of Frankenstein, it’s actually quite natural. Dr. Amsden is trying to develop the technique where stem cells from fat are placed on a polymer prosthetic that stimulates cell growth and that is later implanted it into a person’s body.
“I can’t think of anything Frankensteinish about that because everything is you. 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,” says Dr. Amsden.
Tissue engineering was first proposed in mid 1980s and using polymers to help stimulate the process came about in the early 1990s so it’s a fairly new field.
The impact would be huge on Canada’s aging population. Many baby boomers want to remain active as they get older and this research will allow people in their 60s and 70s to live healthier.
Dr. Amsden’s findings were recently presented at the Advanced Foods and Materials Network annual conference in Halifax.
If our reporting has informed or inspired you, please consider making a donation. Every contribution, no matter the size, empowers us to continue delivering accurate, engaging, and trustworthy science and medical news. Independent journalism requires time, effort, and resources—your support ensures we can keep uncovering the stories that matter most to you.
Join us in making knowledge accessible and impactful. Thank you for standing with us!
FUND the project with trillions of dollars and let the world begin to develop a real health care system for the people of society instead of for the rich medical insurance agencies and owcp. people need a carry around stem cell kit to heal themselves and put all the regulators out of business.