According to lead researcher Dai Jianwu, a research fellow with the Institute of Genetics and Development Biology of CAS, the first of 6 patients was implanted with mesenchymal stem cells and a collagen complex made up of collagen scaffold fibers, also described as collagen tubes, with collagen binding brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein to support and encourage the growth of neurons.
The collagen complex acts as a bridge for nerves to reconnect and mesenchymal stem cells help tissue recovery. Previous tests on rats and dogs showed positive results, Dai said.
The surgery has yet to come under scrutiny in an industry where reputation is key.
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