Scientists were able to grow an artificial lung
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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In one of the universities of Texas, the research team managed to grow a man's lung in a laboratory. According to the information of local mass media, for their research specialists used unsuitable for transplantation and spoiled lungs of two children, whose death came from an accident. The lungs of one of the children were cleared by lungs from the lungs, leaving only a unique organ skeleton consisting of collagen and elastin. Then on this skeleton, scientists transplanted the cellular material from another child's lung, after which the sample was placed in a chamber containing the solution with a nutrient medium. After 30 days, scientists discovered that the cells on the organ began to multiply and the organ reached quite natural sizes.
To verify the reliability of the data, the scientists conducted a second experiment. As one of the authors of the research project Joan Nichols points out, it took a whole year for the experiments to make sure that everything was done correctly. What previously could be considered science fiction is now a fully proven fact. According to Nichols, the lungs grown under such conditions can be used for transplantation to patients after twelve years. She is sure that her students will be able to successfully continue her undertakings, and in the future they will transplant artificial lungs to patients.
Artificially grown lungs practically do not differ from natural ones, except for softer texture and bright pink color. The scientists intend to continue their experiments and in the coming years plan to conduct a series of experiments on pigs and transplant artificial organs to them. The research team notes that this method for creating organs was developed several years ago and initially experiments were conducted on rats. In the United States, as in other countries, there is an acute shortage of donor organs, in particular the lungs. During the year, only half of the patients waiting for transplantation carry out the lung transplant operation (without a lung transplant, such patients live no longer than two years).
A little earlier, American researchers managed to create a new lung from embryonic and induced stem cells. This experiment, according to experts, will allow in the future to grow a lung that will be quite suitable for testing drugs or conducting scientific experiments. In addition, such lungs are quite suitable for transplantation to patients who need a new organ.
Another research group from Columbia University managed to create an intestine from stem cells. Now scientists are sure that at least six types of lung cells and airways can be obtained from stem cells, in particular, tissues can be created that will help restore lungs after severe injuries or injuries. In addition, scientists believe that they will be able to create lungs using the patient's own tissues, which requires transplantation, using the new technology.
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