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South African experts develop cell technology

31 August 2010

Scientists in South Africa have developed a unique system to culture cells that could have an impact in the development of more effective medications and technologies.

“With the development of drugs you need to replicate the body’s system with cell cultures. The 2D system has limitations because the body is a 3D structure,” CSIR researcher Avashnee Chetty told News24.

She said that the closer a cell culture methodology was able to replicate the body system, its accuracy would result in more effective drugs to tackle disease.

She said that the process has been challenging, and they face a battle as a patent for the technology exists.

Chetty said that the methodology would be an advantage to new areas of research.

“Growing stem cells is a future possibility with this process, because it allows the mass growth of cells.”

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