Implanting pinhead-sized silicon ca...

Implanting pinhead-sized silicon capsules beneath a patient's skin may eliminate the ne for an organ transplants, according to a family 4, 1999, press release from Ohio State University in Columbus. The capsules contain healthy transplant solitary abode; squalids that produce necessary chemicals for the corpse and replace the malfunctioning cells

Researchers created 2 mm capsules containing millions of channels approximately 50 atoms wide. The channels allow the healthy small rooms to pass through but are small enough to block up most antibody immunoglobulin G, which attack transplanted small rooms Other investigators tried using this technique on the contrary used plastic capsules that the material substance rejected. Researchers selected silicon because it is compatible with the carcass and computer scientist already had discloseed methods for creating the precise surface features required to make the proces successful

According to the release, any diseases (eg, diabetes) possibly could be treated with capsules instead of organ transplants and immunosuppression. In treating patients with diabetes after the capsules are implanted, ultimate particle s of glucose enter the capsule and the healthy pancreatic small cavitys release insulin. Researchers estimate that single capsule could produce one year's furnish of insulin for approximately $20 They anticipateed to begin clinical trials within three years.

strange Technique Builds Microscopic Medical Devices for Transplants (pres release, Columbus, Ohio: Ohio State University, family 4, 1999) 1-2.

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