Another dimension: 3-D cell growth opens new pathway for spinal cord repair

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2015-10/gu-ad3101915.php

Public Release: 20-Oct-2015
Another dimension: 3-D cell growth opens new pathway for spinal cord repair
Griffith University researchers reveal novel technique using 'floating liquid marbles' to tackle paralysis
Griffith University

Griffith University researchers have opened a new avenue to advance a therapy to repair the paralysed spinal cord.

A paper published in the prestigious Nature group journal Scientific Reports presents a novel technique to grow cells in three dimensions, without the traditional restrictions of matrix or scaffolds.

By using floating liquid marbles, cells can freely associate and form natural structures as they would normally within the human body.

"Allowing cells to grow in this 3D format dramatically increases their growth and function and is particularly useful for spinal transplantation repair in which cells are transplanted into the injury site," says research supervisor Dr James St John, from Griffith's Eskitis Institute for Drug Discovery.

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The transplantation of the specialised cell type from the olfactory (sense of smell) system is a promising approach to spinal cord repair.

"Successful partial regeneration of a completely severed spinal cord in a human was achieved recently in an overseas study, thus demonstrating this therapy can work," says Mr Vadivelu.

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