Scientists from the University of Birmingham and Swiss company InSphero AG have developed a new method to restore the liver without transplantation. They coat liver cells with natural sugars—hyaluronic acid and alginate—making the cells more “sticky.” With this coating, the cells firmly attach to the organ tissue, help improve its repair, and do not lose their functions.
The method, called MOE (metabolic oligosaccharide engineering), does not require genetic modification and uses substances already used in medicine that are described as safe. Laboratory tests showed that these cells attach better and retain all functions, while the coating disappears after implantation without interfering with their work.
Against the background of a chronic shortage of donors and the high cost of transplants, the researchers say the finding is a breakthrough. If the technology successfully passes clinical trials, it could give thousands of patients a chance for liver restoration.
