Body Parts Being Made in British Laboratory

Scientists are growing noses, ears, and blood vessels trying to make body parts in a north London hospital, according to this article.  This isn't the only lab performing such experiments, but this lab was showcased Tuesday as the mayor announced plans to attract more labs to do this type of research in the area.  A handful of patients have received these British made body parts, including tear ducts, blood vessels, and wind pipes.  Researchers lead by Alexander Seifalian at University College London strive to transplant more body parts into patients, including the first nose made partly from stem cells.  A sophisticated machine is used to make molds for a polymer material for multiple organs.  Last year, that machine was used to mold a nose for a man who lost his to cancer.  A salt and sugar solution was then added to the mold to mimic the somewhat sponge-like texture of a natural nose.  Stem cells were taken from the patient's fat and grown in the lab for two weeks before being used to cover the nose scaffold.  Later, the nose was implanted into the man's forearm to allow the skin to grow and cover it.  The research team is awaiting approval to transfer the nose to the man's face.  He and his team are working on creating other organs including coronary arteries and ears.  Later this year, a trial is scheduled to start in India and London to test lab-made ears for people born without them.
Lab made body parts could be very useful.  Body parts have to be removed due to a number of reasons, like diabetes or serious car accidents.  If lab made body parts were available, more transplants could occur.  In addition, lab made body parts could be cheaper than getting a regular transplant, and could be a good alternative for people that need a transplant.

Original article: http://bigstory.ap.org/article/uk-scientists-make-body-parts-lab
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