Source: Brown University
Date: September 12, 2006
Summary:
A research team at Brown University has made plastic replicas of real cells through a novel two-part molding process. The copies looked so authentic, the researchers couldn’t tell if they were real or rubber at first. The lead researcher in the study said the realistic replicas could be used in laboratories to help scientists understand how Schwann cells, critical support cells which protect peripheral nerves by wrapping around their axons to create insulating myelin sheaths and direct axon growth during cell development and repair sustain and direct nerve growth.
The replicas could also, eventually, be used in hospitals to help doctors regenerate nerves. If a patient’s nerves are severed during an auto accident or other injury, a device coated with the imitation cells – a contraption called a nerve guidance channel – could be implanted into the injured area to help stimulate nerve growth and repair damaged tissue. Tissue engineers around the world are testing nerve guidance channels in animals and, in a few cases, in humans.
Commentary: This research seems promising in its potential to rengenerate nerve cells in humans.
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