Reconstructing ears from patient cells

American scientists have successfully created human ears from the cells of injured patients.

The wounded American soldiers lost their ears often implanted to replace fake plastic ears, but this fake ear is difficult to use and perishable, does not bring real feeling to users and does not change the same color when the weather change.

To overcome these disadvantages, scientists from Massachusetts Hospital (USA) have found a way to create human ears from the patient's own cells. This method not only helps fake ears look more natural but also improves the patient's hearing ability.

Titanium frame for creating fake ears, and a fake ear
The plastic is made in a Boston lab.

Dr. Cathryn Sundback and the fortresses used computers to create a 3D model of a patient's well-worn ear. Then they created a set of titanium frames from a computer model and covered a layer of collagen - a natural protein that increased skin elasticity.

Scientists took a piece of cartilage from the patient's nose or ribs to implant the frame. Later, this frame was cultured in the laboratory within 2 weeks. When the fake earframe is covered with cartilage, a layer of skin is taken from the patient's body to cover the frame before transplanting back to the patient.

Earlier, Dr. Cathryn Sundback's team tested a fake ear implant that was made using this method on sheep for 20 weeks. Scientists also successfully implanted fake ears on mice, allowing them to carry out follow-up studies.

Ms. Cathryn Sundback, Director of the Division of Grafting Techniques
tissue of Massachusetts General Hospital, holding one
The mouse is implanted in a human ear made from sheep cells.

Currently, the team is ready to recommend certification from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) before conducting a fake ear implant on humans. Expected, this process lasts for 1 year.