Research involves

Techniques for growing artificial tissues to transplant, as well as designing implants to encourage damaged cells to regenerate

Research relevance

These techniques point the way to dramatic improvements in transplantation; as well as unprecedented approaches to repairing severed spinal cords

Regeneration - The Next Generation of Transplant Technology

Medical miracles have been made possible through the transplantation of human tissue. Yet this powerful technique remains hampered in many ways. Vital organs such as hearts and kidneys remain in short supply. In addition, the body often rejects these life-saving replacements. And transplants are all but impossible to cope with damage in critical sites such as the brain or spinal cord. But the news isn't all negative.

In fact, there's fresh new hope. Molly Shoichet is addressing these shortcomings in an innovative way. Her work has already introduced a novel technique for growing nerve cells in the laboratory. She has made it possible to consider how these cells could be implanted, not simply as replacements, but as a way to allow the body to regenerate nerve fibres to replace injured ones. Her work is a vital step toward another medical miracle-restoring feeling and movement to individuals suffering from paralysis.

As the holder of a Canada Research Chair, Shoichet will continue to expand the frontier of tissue engineering well beyond the bounds of simple transplantation. She is studying the properties of new materials that provide the framework for tissue regeneration within the body. Such materials must be specifically designed and synthesized for that purpose. They require a unique three-dimensional structure and chemical character that will promote the release of agents that can stimulate cellular interaction and promote regeneration.

Such techniques represent just one aspect of this promising field. Shoichet and her colleagues foresee the prospect that Canada will continue to emerge as a world leader in tissue engineering. Besides resolving the current shortage of donor organs, this capability will establish entirely new approaches to dealing with medical conditions that are currently very difficult to treat.