The idea for treating cataracts wins the Stem Cell Innovation Award

On the morning of December 15, the Stem Cell Institute (University of Natural Sciences, Ho Chi Minh City National University) coordinated with partners to organize the final of the 9th Stem Cell Innovation Contest for students. .

Overcoming 9 competing teams, the idea of ​​using stem cells to restore cataract eyes came from three female students Dang Thien Huong (Dinh Thien Ly School, District 7), Mai An (North American International School, Dong Nai) and Nguyen Vu Ha Anh (Canadian International School, District 7) won first prize.

The team’s solution is to create a natural lens using stem cells from human embryos using tissue engineering technology using stem cells and extracellular scaffolds and macromolecular compounds. Once formed, the solution containing stem cells is injected into the eye to help create a new lens. This is an approach that guides product development to support patients related to visual degeneration.

The idea came when Ha Anh’s grandfather, suffering from cataracts, had many difficulties in daily life because of reduced eyesight. “He has a hobby of embroidery that requires healthy eyes, so the group wants to find a solution to help him and many others,” Ha Anh said.

Team leader Dang Thien Huong shared that she started studying and learning about stem cells in 9th grade. With cataracts, Huong realized that current surgical methods are still limited, such as the patient may bleed. , infection and the possibility of disease recurrence. People’s eyes after surgery do not fully recover to do tasks that require high visual concentration. The team found that stem cells can help cure cataracts, reducing the risk of recurrence.

According to Associate Professor, Dr. Pham Van Phuc, Director of the Stem Cell Institute, Head of the competition jury, the group using stem cells from human embryos, related to ethical issues in medicine, may be difficult to implement. However, the team raised the issue of using induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) which are similar to human embryonic stem cells but are artificially created. “We highly appreciate the group’s extensive knowledge with the idea of ​​replacing stem cells from human embryos without violating ethics,” Associate Professor Phuc said. This method won the Nobel Prize in 2012.

Associate Professor Phuc said that, although it is just an idea, it demonstrates deep knowledge of the major at the level of high school students. From the idea to the next step, the team needs to culture stem cells and create a mixture to inject into the eye. This is not an easy path and requires a lot of research.

The organizing committee awarded the second prize worth 20 million VND and the third prize worth 10 million VND respectively to the ideas of students of Ho Chi Minh City National University applying stem cells to support the treatment of memory loss (Alzheimer’s disease). of a group of students at International University and the idea of ​​applying stem cells to treat osteoarthritis by a group of students at the University of Natural Sciences. Consolation prizes worth 2 million VND go to ideas for applying stem cells in treating diabetes, chronic kidney failure, improving hearing, restoring intestinal aging…

Stem cell innovation is an annual competition for students nationwide. This year’s competition attracted 310 teams with nearly 850 contestants from 80 universities and high schools participating. The 2024 theme “Stem cells and aging” is a competition looking for ideas to help people live healthier and longer with stem cells. To help groups gradually realize their ideas, the Organizing Committee coordinates with incubation centers and participating businesses to provide financial support, facilities, laboratories, and experts so that groups can have the best conditions. perform further research.