Medical Devices developed that mimic Human Placenta: Scientists

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Medical Device

Last Updated on January 2, 2024 by The Health Master

Medical Devices developed

Mumbai’s Leading Research Institutions Pioneer Innovative Medical Devices for Pregnancy Studies.

In a groundbreaking advancement, esteemed scientists hailing from Mumbai’s prestigious research institutions have successfully engineered a series of Medical Devices that emulate the intricate functionality of the human placenta.

This remarkable development has the potential to illuminate the complexities of pregnancy-related complications, notably preeclampsia and gestational diabetes, offering unprecedented insights into these enigmatic conditions.

Pregnancy: Pregnancy is the term used to describe the period in which a fetus develops inside a woman’s womb or uterus. Pregnancy usually lasts about 40 weeks, or just over 9 months, as measured from the last menstrual period to delivery. Health care providers refer to three segments of pregnancy, called trimesters.

Collaborative Breakthrough: IIT Bombay and NIRRCH Forge New Frontiers

This trailblazing breakthrough is the fruit of a collaborative effort between the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay and the esteemed National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health (NIRRCH), an integral arm of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).

The collaborative endeavor was meticulously undertaken at NIRRCH’s Parel location, underscoring the synergy between technology and medical expertise in the heart of Mumbai.

Crucial Role of Placenta Unveiled: Addressing Pregnancy-Related Complications

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Picture: Pixabay

The placenta, a vital organ during pregnancy, acts as a protective barrier that shields the developing fetus from harmful substances.

However, some harmful agents can still traverse this barrier, potentially leading to significant harm to the unborn child.

Consequently, pregnant women are often deprived of many medications, leading to unnecessary suffering.

Dr. Deepak Modi, a distinguished member of NIRRCH, elucidated the significance of placental function and its implications for maternal and fetal health.

A Confluence of Ideas: The Birth of Placenta-on-a-Chip Concept

The inception of the revolutionary placenta-on-a-chip concept emerged during a casual exchange between Dr. Deepak Modi and IIT professor Abhijit Majumder.

A serendipitous conversation over a cup of coffee paved the way for this innovation.

Dr. Majumder aptly analogized the placenta’s role to that of an engineering problem, comparing it to a gatekeeper that regulates the transfer of specific nutrients.

The duo’s familiarity and synergy were instrumental in conceiving this transformative idea.

Engineering Challenges Unveiled: The Complexity of Emulating the Placenta

Replicating the intricacies of the human placenta posed substantial challenges due to its temporary nature, exclusive to the gestational period.

Drawing a parallel to engineering, Dr. Majumder explained the intricacy of creating a toy airplane that must withstand conditions akin to those experienced by real aircraft.

Previous attempts at placenta replication fell short due to the absence of engineering calculations that simulate the authentic in vivo environment.

Dr. Majumder emphasized the necessity of accounting for these nuances to effectively develop a placenta-on-a-chip model.

Rigorous Validation: Paving the Path for Pharma Innovations

Both IIT Bombay and NIRRCH rigorously validated the functionality of the placenta-on-a-chip Medical Devices, ensuring they faithfully mimic the performance of the actual placenta.

This pivotal step has now paved the way for comprehensive drug testing and experimentation within the pharmaceutical industry.

The potential to reduce animal experimentation stands as a monumental stride forward, promising to reshape the pharmaceutical landscape and positively impact countless lives worldwide.

The impending patent filing for this groundbreaking technology signifies its potential to revolutionize both industry and academia, a transformative feat poised to reshape the boundaries of medical research.

Conclusion:

The collaborative efforts between IIT Bombay and NIRRCH have yielded a revolutionary breakthrough in understanding pregnancy complications.

The development of placenta-on-a-chip Medical Devices marks a pivotal moment in medical research, bridging the gap between engineering innovation and the intricacies of maternal-fetal health.

This achievement not only promises a deeper comprehension of pregnancy-related complications but also holds the potential to revolutionize pharmaceutical research and pave the way for more ethically responsible scientific advancements.

Disclaimer: This article contains information derived from the source mentioned below. Our team utilized an AI language model, to rewrite and present the news / article in a unique format.

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