New Delhi: Creation of a spinal cord,
urinary bladder or a bone with stem cells may be a reality as
the AIIMS with help from IIT-Delhi has developed biodegradable
scaffolds that can take the shape of the tissue product.
"Organs like spinal cord, urinary bladder, skin, bone
and eye can be created with stem cells as we have
biodegradable scaffolds now at our disposal. IIT-Delhi has
helped us to develop these scaffolds on which we can grow stem
cells and then then they can repair or replace an organ," Dr
Sujata Mohanty, in-charge of stem cell facility at AIIMS,
said.
For the last five years, AIIMS has been conducting
research work wherein stem cells have been used to treat
various ailments. Stem cells are either injected into the
damaged area or grown on amniotic membrane (covering of the
womb).
"Amniotic membrane has its limitations. All pregnancies
needed to be monitored and each amniotic membrane needs to be
tested for many factors including HIV and AIDS. Moreover, it
was doubtful that it would take the shape of the organ," she
said explaining the reasons for opting for scaffolds.
Giving an example of the use of the scaffolds, she said,
"In case of a spinal cord injury we can create a scaffold
similar to the injured portion, grow stem cells on it and
place it on the injured area. Once the organ has grown there,
the scaffold will automatically get dissolved."
PTI