Tissue engineering helping save lives, say scientists

Renowned scientists and researchers in the field of tissue banking and tissue engineering gathered at the 102nd Indian Science Congress here today to deliberate on ways in which the discipline will save human lives.
Speaking at a symposium on "Tissue banking and tissue engineering" at the Mumbai University's Kalina campus here, Rony Thomas, President and CEO of Institute of Regenerative Medicine, Virginia Beach in the US, dwelt on new frontiers in tissue engineering and its life saving applications.
Thomas spoke of the need for allograft (donated tissues) and Indian scenario in the field of organ donation. He dwelt on how the organ donation takes place and steps which one has to follow for it.

Raj Manda, Director, Research DCI Donor Services Tissue Bank, Nashville in US, spoke about global tissue banking scene and regulations regarding tissue banking and clinical practices.
Scott A Brubaker, Chief Policy Officer, American Association of Tissue Banks, Virginia US spoke on enhancing quality and safety of allograft tissue for transplant.
He spoke about updated standards and how the tissues engineering industry is growing. He gave an overview of procedures like donor screening.

Astrid Lobo Gajiwala, Head Tissue Bank and Member, Institutional Ethic Committee, Tata Memorial Hospital here, spoke on establishing a tissue bank at Tata memorial hospital.
Gajiwala spoke on bone banks and amnion (a thin membrane that surrounds the fetus during pregnancy) as a biological dressing. She informed the audience about how the tissue bank at Tata hospital is helping people.

She dwelt on the laws and regulation in India and all over the world for tissue banking and organ donation.