Create a heart beating in a laboratory

US scientists claim they have tricked the hearts of dead mice back. This step may lead to the activation of other transplants for humans.

A new heart is raised on an old heart frame.(Photo: BBC)

" This hope also means that we can create organs that are suitable for the patient, " said Doris Taylor from the Center for Cardiovascular Recovery, University of Minnesota.

Taylor and colleagues used a process called decellularization to purify the cells available in the hearts of dead mice, leaving only the basic collagen structure intact. Next, they injected this " frame " of heart cells from newborn mice, fed them with a nutrient-rich solution and allowed them to grow in the laboratory. 4 days later, the heart begins to contract.

The team continues to use a conditioning device to coordinate this contraction. They attached a pump to the heart and filled it with liquid, then lightly compressed to deceive the blood pressure. 8 days later, the heart started pumping itself.

Taylor said the process could be used on other types of organs, opening up the potential to provide a plentiful source of organs for patients. And in theory, it will also reduce the need to remove organs from the body.

T. An