MINSK, 30 August (BelTA) – Transplants based on stem cells have been developed for dentistry and ophthalmology in Belarus, BelTA learned from Natalya Pshibytko, Deputy Director for Science and Innovations of the Biophysics and Cell Engineering Institute of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus (NASB).
Natalya Pshibytko said: “As far as dentistry is concerned, together with medics and the Belarusian Medical Academy of Post-Graduate Education we are developing a technology for treating periodontium diseases. We have created a transplant based on mesenchymal stem cells and various 2D and 3D carriers, which will help treat such diseases. Clinical trials are nearing completion. There are plans to start adopting these methods next year. As for ophthalmology, for treating cornea ailments a bio transplant has been created based on mesenchymal stem cells of the fat tissue of the eye and based on limbal stem cells. The transplant is going through clinical trials, too.”
The Biophysics and Cell Engineering Institute also offers treatment of trophic ulcers using stem technologies. “Patients, who have been suffering for decades, come to us. Dozens of patients have been cured already using our method. In every case we saw a lasting positive effect, with wounds healing and pain going away,” noted the official.
The institute's R&D products are also used in agriculture. A facility to develop and manufacture a feed supplement based on chlorella suspension has been established. This water plant is rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and proteins. “Trials indicate that the feed supplement improve chicken egg production and the survival rate of young animals. We are now working to create a substitute for imported feed for sturgeons,” added Natalya Pshibytko.
Work to create a facility to manufacture spirulina water plant began last year. The plant is rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and nutrients, this is why it is primarily used as a feed supplement. But scientists also bear in mind pharmaceutical applications since spirulina is used to make chlorin E6 for the Fotolon medication.
