Regenerating tendons, spinal cords and heart valves 'possible in 10 yrs'

Washington, June 9 (ANI): In not more than 10 years, a tendon, spinal cord or heart valve will be able to regenerate itself after an injury or disease, claimed a Queen's University chemical engineering professor.

Brian Amsden, along with scientists from the University of Western Ontario and University of Toronto, is currently trying to develop microscopic polymer fibres to help rebuild human tissue and speed the healing process.

While using polymers to help grow muscles may sound like something out of Frankenstein, it's actually quite natural.

Amsden is trying to develop the technique where stem cells from fat are placed on a polymer prosthetic that stimulates cell growth and that is later implanted it into a person's body.

"I can't think of anything Frankensteinish about that because everything is you. The only thing that isn't you is the polymer which is biodegradable and eventually disappears, so all you have left is your own tissues," said Amsden.

Tissue engineering was first proposed in mid 1980s and using polymers to help stimulate the process came about in the early 1990s so it's a fairly new field.

The impact would be huge on Canada's aging population.

Many baby boomers want to remain active as they get older and this research will allow people in their 60s and 70s to live healthier. (ANI)