Innovative Nanochip Can Reprogram Biological Tissue in Living Body

Silicon devices that can transform skin tissue into blood vessels and nerve cells have evolved from prototypes to standardized manufacturing. In short, it can now be manufactured in a consistent and reproducible way.As reported in Nature protocolDeveloped by researchers at Indiana University School of Medicine, this study brings the device one step closer to its potential use as a treatment for people with a variety of health concerns.

This technique, called tissue nanotransfection, is a non-invasive nanochip device that can reprogram tissue function by applying harmless electric sparks to deliver specific genes in a matter of seconds. In laboratory studies, the device successfully converted skin tissue into blood vessels to repair a severely injured leg. This technique is currently being used to reprogram tissues for a variety of therapies, including repairing stroke-induced brain damage and preventing and reversing diabetes-induced nerve damage.

“This report on how to accurately manufacture these tissue nanotransfection chips will allow other researchers to participate in this new development of regenerative medicine,” said the director of the Indiana Center for Regenerative Medicine Engineering. Chandansen, Vice President and Prominent Professor of Research, said. At IU School of Medicine.

Senator Chandansen Credit: Indiana University School of Medicine

Sen also leads the scientific pillars of regenerative medicine and engineering in the IU Precision Health Initiative and is the lead author of new publications.

“This little silicon chip enables nanotechnology that can change the function of some parts of the body,” he said. “For example, if someone’s blood vessel is damaged in a car accident and needs a blood supply, you can’t trust it because the existing blood vessel is crushed, but converting the skin tissue into a blood vessel. You can. Rescue the endangered limbs. “

In the Nature Protocols report, researchers published engineering details on how to make chips.

Sen said the manufacturing information would lead to further development of the chip, hoping that it would one day be used clinically in many environments around the world.

“This is about chip engineering and manufacturing,” he said. “The chip nanofabrication process usually takes 5-6 days and can be accomplished by anyone skilled in the art with the help of this report.”

Sen said he hopes to seek FDA approval for the chip within a year. With FDA approval, the device can be used for clinical research in people, including patients in hospitals, medical centers, and emergency rooms, as well as other emergencies by first responders and the military.

Chandon Sen, PhD works in his laboratory at the Center for Regenerative Medicine Engineering, Indiana University School of Medicine.Credits: Indiana University School of Medicine

Reference: Yi Xuan, Subhadip Ghatak, Andrew Clark, Zhigang Li, Savita Khanna, Dongmin Pak, Mangilal Agarwal, Sashwati Roy, Peter Duda, Chandan K. Sen, November 26, 2021 Nature protocol..
DOI: 10.1038 / s41596-021-00631-0

Other research authors include Yi Xuan, Subhadip Ghatak, Andrew Clark, Zhigang Li, Savita Khanna, Dongmin Pak, Mangilal Agarwal, Sashwati Roy, IU, and more. University of Chicago..

This study is funded by the National Institutes of Health.