A new device, ένα chip στην ουσία σε μέγεθος ενός νυχιού, μπορεί να επισκευάζει κατεστραμμένα όργανα σε δευτερόλεπτα, προαναγγέλλοντας μια σημαντική εξέλιξη στην ιατρική επιστήμη.
Developed at the University of Ohio, it is named Tissue Nanotransfection (TNT) or in free Greek translation micro-tissue transplantation, and uses a small chip silicone-sized coins that "inject" genetic code into skin cells, promoting their conversion from one species to another.
During the initial phase of testing, researchers were able to reprogram skin cells into vascular cells in a mouse that had a badly injured leg with no blood flow. Within a week active blood vessels appeared around the leg and in two weeks the leg was fully restored. Also a mouse that had suffered a stroke was restored, suggesting this technology can be applied to organs and nerve cells, as well as tissues. It is the first time that cells have been reprogrammed into a living organism.
The technology weighs less than 100 grams and has a long life. It is completely non-invasive (no surgery or micro-surgery) – the genetic code is imparted to the device with a small electrical charge that is barely perceptible to the patient – and the procedure it can be performed without access to a laboratory or hospital. This means it will have a significant impact on the lives of those dealing with medical emergencies where time is of the essence, such as car accident victims and soldiers wounded in combat. It is awaiting approval from the US FDA, but researchers expect human trials to begin within the year.
