A silicone “chip-vagina” has been developed that is covered with tissue directly from human donors. Thanks to this chip, which can imitate the features of the organ, it will be easier to treat bacterial infections.
The vagina, the female genital organ, is also one of the most miraculous and sensitive structures in human biology. That’s why it’s seriously susceptible to microbes. likely to occur in the vagina bacterial infections It puts not only the sexual health of women at risk, but also their general health.
He specializes in “developing 3D artificial organs that mimic the complex physical interactions between tissues and cells in the human body with silicon materials”: Harvard bioengineer Dr. Don Ingber… Ingber, who has simulated organs such as lungs, liver, intestines, until now. More than 15 “chip-organs” developed.
The last artificial organ he developed was a human vagina. And this vagina is as small as a chip:
@Harvard University, Wyss Institute
Receiving real vaginal cells donated by two different female volunteers, Dr. Ingber’s goal was to create a silicon chip that creates bacteria-sensitive channels, just like the real vagina, and he succeeded. Bacterial communities recorded to be very important for vaginal health and Key features of the “vaginal microbiome” emulated with the model as small as this chip.
Everything is fine, but what does this chip-vagina do?
A tissue-imitated area inside the chip-vagina
Every year, an estimated 30% of women are affected by harmful microbes in their vagina. “bacterial vaginosis” They have an infection called Drugs are also produced to treat this infection, but it is very difficult to find a suitable model for testing drugs. There is also a high risk of testing drugs on real patients.
Bacterial vaginosis is commonly treated with antibiotics, but it can recur very often. In addition to sexually transmitted diseases, if left untreated cervical cancer risk It can cause premature birth and miscarriage.
Here is Dr. This is where the chip-vagina developed by Ingber comes into play, and Dr. Ingber, for the model he developed “acts just like a human vagina” says. The drugs to be tested are first tested on this chip-vagina, so that if it is actually used in a patient in the future, what will be the results can be understood in advance.
Bill Gates’ foundation funded the work to develop the chip-vagina:
The Gates Foundation, founded by Bill Gates and his ex-wife Melinda Gates, and run by the couple’s large donations; Handle the toilet access problems in Africa It funds work against common and critical health problems in many parts of the world, from vaccines to next-generation pandemics. This latest study was one of the successful financings of the foundation.