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Prehistoric 'sludge' could help transplant surgery, say Australian scientists

Xinhua, November 16, 2015 Adjust font size:

Australian scientists have found that a 'primordial goo', formed billions of years ago and thought to have formed the basis of life on earth, could assist the human body in accepting surgical implants.

Australia's Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO) outlined its findings in 'Nature' journal, Asia Materials, on Monday.

CSIRO said the ancient molecules from this sludge, known as prebiotic compounds, can be used as a protective coating for surgical implants, such as bone replacements, catheters and pacemakers.

The goo, discovered decades ago, has been traced back billions of years and scientists believe it has undeniable links to the evolution of life on earth.

The paper's lead researcher, Dr Richard Evans, said the process of implanting artificial body parts was "complex" and this new bio-friendly, non-toxic 'coating' allowed the body to more readily accept the implant.

"Reducing the likelihood of infection and ensuring the body doesn't reject implants are ongoing medical challenges," Evans said in a press release on Monday.

"That's why coatings on these implants are needed to help them to do their job," Evans said.

"We wanted to use these prehistoric molecules, which are believed to have been the source of all life evolving on Earth, to see if we could apply the chemistry in a practical way," he added.

Evans' team discovered that the coating was bio-friendly and it could be applied to medical devices to improve their performance and acceptance by the body.

According to the CSIRO, the biomedical coating can be produced with readily available substances and at a lower cost than other compounds and methods used to "reduce friction, make (implants) more durable and resistant to wear."

"This research opens the door to a host of new biomedical possibilities that are still yet to be explored," Evans said.

Mass production of the coating is not too far away, with the CSIRO seeking to partner with a biomedical manufacturer to exploit this technology, Evans added. Endit