Fabrication of stitches only from bacteria

A US company modified the genes of the bacterium Escherichia coli thanks to DNA re-engineering techniques that made it a polymer used to make wound healing threads. This polymer is also used in other surgical applications such as stents and artificial valves.

(Photo: HTV) The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved this new method. Bacteria made from bacteria will be launched in the US. Suturing the wound made from this material has been recognized as 30% stronger than the regular type, but is characterized by its composition - an organic polyester - and its use.

According to Massachussetts Institute of Technology, a team of scientists led by Anthony Sinskey has been studying this method for 20 years.

Once stitched in place will gradually turn into monomers that the human body also produces. These threads will be used to sew the digestive tract as well as tendons and ligaments. The company, Tepha, which specializes in producing new polymers, hopes to use this product to produce prosthetic implants inside human bodies such as stents (springs usually made of metal used to heat coronary arteries) and other Artificial arterial valve. The company is currently researching prosthetic devices that can grow according to patients and will be implanted for children.