The researchers made a tissue material similar to paper from crushed organs. (Northwest University) "KDSPs" scientists have made paper-like biomaterials from organs such as ovaries, uterus, heart, liver and muscles, which are thin and flexible enough to be folded into origami birds and other structures. Scientists say that new "tissue paper" materials such as "KDSP" and "KDSP" retain the cellular characteristics of organs, so they can help the body regenerate related organs and tissues to help the wound heal. "Because its components exist in the actual tissues of organs, once implanted in cells, cells will recognize it," Ramille Shah, co-author of the study and assistant professor of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, said in a video statement on tissue paper. [1 1 body parts cultured in laboratory]

Unexpected ink spillage triggered the invention of these new materials. Adam Jakus, the main author of the study, is a material engineer at Northwest University, who invented an ovarian ink for 3D printers. Yakus said in a statement: "When he went to wipe the spill, the ink on the ovary had formed a piece of paper." The light bulb on my head is on. I can do it with other organs.

Therefore, Jakus and his colleagues took organs from pigs or cows and stripped their cells with detergents. This leaves the extracellular matrix of the protein scaffold of the organ, which helps to endow the organ with its structure.

Scientists then freeze-dry this organ material, grind it into powder and mix it with solvent to make ink. When the thin films of this ink dry, they become flat plates of paper materials. Jakus said that each thin and soft tissue paper of "KDSP" and "KDSP" feels like standard office paper. He said that he could even fold these papers into an origami bird.

"They are easy to store, fold, roll, sew and cut, just like paper," Yakus told Life Science. If doctors want to reshape and manipulate them in the case of surgery, then their flattening and flexibility are very important. Human cell "KDSP" cultivated by "KDSP", each tissue paper contains residual biomolecules and protein structure from its source organ. In experiments, this tissue paper can support the growth of adult stem cells.

Researchers believe that their new materials can make cells move in potential therapeutic ways. For example, tissue paper made of muscle helps to promote the growth of muscle cells.

"A lot of muscles on my face are flat and thin. Perhaps muscle tissue paper can help those who have experienced trauma or children with birth defects to promote the growth of muscle cells, "Jakus said.

Yakus said that if the kidneys or uterus are damaged or scratched during surgery, "these organs will bleed quickly." Tissue paper can be used as an internal bandage for this kind of wound.

In addition, in the experiment, ovarian tissue paper implanted with ovarian cells can produce hormones related to puberty and fertility. Teresa woodruff, a co-author of the study and a reproductive scientist at Northwestern University, said that this implant can help female cancer patients to restore their normal hormonal function, and they often lose their hormonal function due to chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

"Meat and animal by-products such as kidney, liver, kidney, kidney, kidney, kidney, kidney, kidney, kidney, kidney, kidney, kidney, kidney, kidney, kidney, kidney, kidney, heart and uterus" can be transformed.

Jakus said that future research should explore whether these new materials are safe and effective for human body. In addition, scientists are studying the use of 3D printers to make 3D objects from their organ ink, he said.

Jakus is now the co-founder of nd startup Dimension Inx, which will develop, produce and sell 3D printed materials mainly used in medical applications. These new inks will be licensed for Dimension Inx.

Scientists introduced their findings in detail in the journal Advanced Functional Materials today (August 7th).

Original articles on life sciences.