Skip to playerSkip to main content
  • 2 days ago

Category

People
Transcript
00:00Researchers Grow Beating Human Heart Tissue Using Spinach Leaves
00:05In 2017, researchers used spinach to grow human heart tissue, potentially revolutionizing
00:11tissue engineering.
00:12Led by Worcester Polytechnic Institute, the study explores plant structures supporting
00:16human cell growth, aiming to repair heart muscle, a challenge for modern medicine, using
00:22plant-based scaffolds.
00:28Researchers discovered that spinach leaves resemble human blood vessels, inspiring heart
00:32tissue growth.
00:34By removing plant cells, they created a cellulose framework retaining vein structure, ideal
00:39for cell growth.
00:41Human heart cells seated on the scaffold began beating in five days, mimicking real heart
00:46muscle functionality.
00:49Cellulose, retained post-decellularization, is strong, flexible, and immune-compatible, ideal
00:57for medical use.
00:59The spinach's natural vein network improves fluid flow, enhancing heart cell survival,
01:05with plant-based scaffolds offering cost-effective heart tissue treatments.
01:13Researchers explored other plants like parsley and sweet wormwood, highlighting unique traits
01:17for specific tissues.
01:19Hollow plant stems could mimic blood vessels, while strong plants like wood could support
01:24bones.
01:25The potential is huge despite remaining challenges, including durability and immune acceptance,
01:31with research still in the early stages.
01:37Heart disease, a global leading cause of death, often leaves millions with limited treatment
01:42options.
01:43Growing human heart tissue from plants could change this.
01:46It not only offers medical benefits but also enhances sustainability by reducing waste and
01:51environmental impact, cutting costs and improving accessibility, especially in resource-limited areas.
Be the first to comment
Add your comment

Recommended