Zurich sensor monitors growth of liver tissue outside of the body

With its Liver4Life project, Wyss Zurich is developing a perfusion system to allow the growth of healthy liver tissue outside of the body. Once big enough, it can replace damaged tissue in a patient’s liver – and because the transplant concerns endogenous tissue, there is less risk of rejection.  

The research and development centre is a joint institution between the Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich (ETH) and the University of Zurich (UZH). For its perfusion system, it is using a sensor developed by C-CIT Sensors AG, according to a statement. These sensors continuously monitor glucose and lactate measurements in cell cultures, with glucose monitoring reported to be particularly important for the Wyss Zurich project.    

Founded in 2002 based on research by former ETH professor Ursula Spichiger-Keller, the Wädenswil-headquartered C-CIT Sensors AG still works closely with research institutes. Its partners include Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) the University of Bernand Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).