A team, led by Prof Alexander Seifalian of the varsity's Department of Nanotechnology and Regenerative Medicine, claims it's actually focussing on growing replacement organs and body parts to order, using a patient's own cells.
"This is a nose we're growing for a patient next month. It's a world first. Nobody has ever grown a nose before," Prof Seifalian was quoted by the 'Daily Mail' as saying.
In fact, the scientists say that when the the nose is transferred to the patient, it doesn't go directly onto the face but will be placed inside a balloon inserted beneath the skin on their arm.
After four weeks, during which time skin and blood vessels can grow, the nose can be monitored, then it can be transplanted to the face, they say.
Added Adelola Oseni, a team member: "Other groups have tried to tackle nose replacement with implants but we've found they don't last. They migrate, the shape of the nose changes. But our one will hold itself completely, as it's an entire nose shape made out of polymer." (MORE)
