(left to right) real cell, mold of real cell, artificial cell

Biomedical engineers at Brown University have created a plastic replication of cells using a two step molding process. The result: a copy so authentic that the trained eye could not distinguish a difference.

Relying on Schwann cells (those covering nerve fibers and comprising the mylin sheath) preserved in chemicals, researchers formed a mold using a silicon coating process. This mold was in turn filled with silicon to produce a copy of the original Schwann cell.

When examined under a microscope, the length and height of both cells were identical, as were the bumps of the nucleus. Researchers will continue to study these Schwann cells to better understand how they direct nerve growth, with the hopes they could be used to regenerate nerves severed during accident or injury.

Image courtsey of Brown University