ID :
53163
Tue, 03/31/2009 - 20:37
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/53163
The shortlink copeid
Researchers developing artificial eardrums, human bone from silk
By Lee Joon-seung
SEOUL, March 31 (Yonhap) -- South Korean researchers are close to developing
artificial eardrums and bone from silk proteins that could spur local production
of the material, a state-run laboratory said Tuesday.
The National Academy of Agricultural Science (NAAS) under the Rural Development
Administration said development of silk-based eardrums is almost complete, with
the first prototype to be unveiled within the year. The eardrum will be the first
of its kind in the world since most products on the market are made from plastic
and silicon.
It said a joint research project conducted with Hallym University Medical Center
is also making good headway on producing artificial teeth that could be made by
2012 and bones by 2017. Once these products are fully developed, the country will
be in a good position to make inroads into the 5 trillion won global artificial
bone market. The domestic market for artificial bones and other materials is
estimated to be worth 150 billion won, with most being made from either titanium
or taken from animals.
"Silk is attractive as a biotech material because it has few side effects, and
fuses well with human tissue and bone which is not the case with plastic," said
NAAS chief Cho Eun-gi. He said both domestic and international patents will be
sought once products are made.
The expert said basic research on using silk began in 2000 with the laboratory
and Hallym injecting 5.6 billion won into the artificial bone development
program. More money will be needed to conduct clinical tests and for commercial
production.
"With eardrums, commercial production could take place very quickly after the
first model is made, while the need to conduct human tests may mean more time
will be needed to make bones," he said.
The laboratory director said silk is widely used in medicine to stitch up wounds
and in industrial applications like bullet proof vests.
Cho also said that silk protein and fibers are being used to developed cement
that may reach consumers after 2010.
The laboratory, which is devoted to helping the country's rural economy, said the
high value-added nature of silk biotech products under development could spur
demand for silkworms, mulberry and the local silk industry as a whole.
Such demand could help augment the income of local farmers who are struggling to
cope with a growing influx of cheap farm products.
In the 1960s, silk accounted for 10 percent of South Korea's exports with 480,000
farming households engaged in production. Because it is labor intensive,
countries like China and India dominate the global market, with local production
being too small to be tallied, although some 5,000 households still raise
silkworms.
yonngong@yna.co.kr
(END)
SEOUL, March 31 (Yonhap) -- South Korean researchers are close to developing
artificial eardrums and bone from silk proteins that could spur local production
of the material, a state-run laboratory said Tuesday.
The National Academy of Agricultural Science (NAAS) under the Rural Development
Administration said development of silk-based eardrums is almost complete, with
the first prototype to be unveiled within the year. The eardrum will be the first
of its kind in the world since most products on the market are made from plastic
and silicon.
It said a joint research project conducted with Hallym University Medical Center
is also making good headway on producing artificial teeth that could be made by
2012 and bones by 2017. Once these products are fully developed, the country will
be in a good position to make inroads into the 5 trillion won global artificial
bone market. The domestic market for artificial bones and other materials is
estimated to be worth 150 billion won, with most being made from either titanium
or taken from animals.
"Silk is attractive as a biotech material because it has few side effects, and
fuses well with human tissue and bone which is not the case with plastic," said
NAAS chief Cho Eun-gi. He said both domestic and international patents will be
sought once products are made.
The expert said basic research on using silk began in 2000 with the laboratory
and Hallym injecting 5.6 billion won into the artificial bone development
program. More money will be needed to conduct clinical tests and for commercial
production.
"With eardrums, commercial production could take place very quickly after the
first model is made, while the need to conduct human tests may mean more time
will be needed to make bones," he said.
The laboratory director said silk is widely used in medicine to stitch up wounds
and in industrial applications like bullet proof vests.
Cho also said that silk protein and fibers are being used to developed cement
that may reach consumers after 2010.
The laboratory, which is devoted to helping the country's rural economy, said the
high value-added nature of silk biotech products under development could spur
demand for silkworms, mulberry and the local silk industry as a whole.
Such demand could help augment the income of local farmers who are struggling to
cope with a growing influx of cheap farm products.
In the 1960s, silk accounted for 10 percent of South Korea's exports with 480,000
farming households engaged in production. Because it is labor intensive,
countries like China and India dominate the global market, with local production
being too small to be tallied, although some 5,000 households still raise
silkworms.
yonngong@yna.co.kr
(END)
