Specialists of the Mendeleev University of Chemical Technology of Russia are developing a new technology for liver tissue repair. Traditional therapy for this organ is based on the use of medication.

“Here we are developing an approach that will allow to grow a certain tissue outside the body and then in the process of transplantation to ensure tissue fusion, accelerate regeneration processes and restore the functions of the organ,” said Pavel Tsygankov, the project leader, senior researcher at the Mendeleev University of Chemical Technology Of Russia.

New tissues are developed on an aerogel framework. It is a lightweight, non-toxic, relatively strong material that is not harmful to living cells. Another important feature of it is its high specific surface area – porosity. Inside the material there are many cavities, bubbles with air. If you add up their surface areas, you’re looking at hundreds of square metres.

There is also enough room for special additives, including those that stimulate or restrict tissue growth. This is necessary for optimal formation of the three-dimensional structure of the liver.

“Aerogel gradually degrades without harming our body, gradually the cells overgrow and healthy tissue is formed,” said Andrey Abramov, a junior researcher and assistant professor at the department of the Mendeleev University of Chemical Technology Of Russia.

A frame free of germs and pathogenic organisms helps to keep the new organ healthy. To sterilise it, the authors of the project use special methods to avoid damaging the fragile aerogel base.

“We use high-pressure carbon dioxide and also add strong sterilising components: hydrogen peroxide or peracetic acid,” explained Pavel Tsygankov.

This idea was proposed by students and postgraduates of the Mendeleev University of Chemical Technology Of Russia. Putting the research results into practice is not a one-year prospect; there are still a number of tests to be carried out. However, scientists say that in the future this approach could be used to repair not only the liver, but other organs as well. This is reported by TV BRICS.

Photo: TV BRICS