Scientists at Royal College of Surgeons develop heart valves from human biomaterials to eliminate recurrent valve transplant procedures.
The past five years of intensive research in the field of developing heart valves has proved fruitful for the scientists at Royal College of surgeons in Ireland. Prototypes developed so far had multiple issues with their adaption in human anatomy. Most significant of all, was that the laboratory versions did not shut properly during their functioning. Recent version has exhibited appropriate functioning for prolonged life cycle along with the ability to adapt with physical growth of the host.
Congenital valve defect is a medical phenomenon reported commonly among global population. Replacement of defective valves with healthy implants that have been generated through tissue engineering is latest trend. Although, contemporary implants failed to grow along with the host body, hence, calling for repetitive transplant procedures during the course of physical growth. The surgical procedure is painfully invasive and calls for long recovery time. This emerges as a serious concern in children as their growth rate is more rapid as compared to any other age group.
Novice heart valves under consideration have been engineered from biomaterials derived from human body. Researchers at the laboratory developed a biomaterial comprises of collagen and fibrin proteins. An anatomic replica of human heart valve was constructed out of the protein composite. Over the time protein components break down to be replaced by host’s own.
The key challenge was to control the rate of degradation in proteins to match natural replacement. “What we have done is worked really, really hard to find a way to control the rate at which the implant degrades,” said Prof O’Brien, head of the Tissue Engineering Research Group at RCSI and principal project investigator.
Research team has managed to place valve prototypes in bio reactors which create a replica of human heart environment. During the elementary stage in vivo tests animals would be used as hosts for the engineered valves. Although, it would still take at least a couple of years or more for performing human testing. On an overall basis, it would take around half a decade for the product to actually find its way into practical procedural platforms.
“As a research group we are very active in the biomedical area — we have two bone and cartilage repair technologies going into patients this year,” said Prof O’Brien. This project was one among other breakthrough innovations that were showcased at the RSCI research day 2016.
Such innovations in the field of bio implants, keeps the biomaterials market highly competitive and motivated for growth. A research report titled “Biomaterials (Bio Implants) Market - Opportunities and Forecasts, 2014 -2020,” published by Allied Market Research takes an analytical account of the existing market structure for biomaterials industry. The report highlights latest technical developments that shape business strategies of key market players. It provides a comprehensive evaluation of growth drivers and restraints, therefore, outlining the opportunities for profitable investments from the stakeholders’ perspective.
