Bioengineering human placentas: social implications of an advancing field

Jacqueline Dalziell; Jaya Keaney; Matthew Kearnes; Benjamin Thierry; Marnie Winter

doi:10.1016/j.tibtech.2021.10.011

Bioengineering human placentas: social implications of an advancing field

Trends Biotechnol. 2022 Feb;40(2):137-140. doi: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2021.10.011. Epub 2021 Nov 26.

Authors

Jacqueline Dalziell¹, Jaya Keaney², Matthew Kearnes³, Benjamin Thierry⁴, Marnie Winter⁵

Affiliations

¹ Australian Research Council (ARC) Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, Environment and Society Group, Faculty of Arts, Design and Architecture, University of New South Wales, NSW, Australia; Department of Philosophy, Faculty of Arts, Macquarie University, NSW, Australia. Electronic address: Jacqueline.dalziell@mq.edu.au.
² Alfred Deakin Institute for Citizenship and Globalisation, Faculty of Arts and Education, Deakin University, VIC, Australia.
³ Australian Research Council (ARC) Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, Environment and Society Group, Faculty of Arts, Design and Architecture, University of New South Wales, NSW, Australia.
⁴ ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology and the Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes Campus, SA 5095, Australia.
⁵ ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology and the Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes Campus, SA 5095, Australia. Electronic address: Marnie.winter@mymail.unisa.edu.au.

PMID: 34844773
DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2021.10.011

Abstract

Technological advances in bioengineering, especially in microphysiological systems and organoids, are changing the way in which placental tissue is used and perceived. These advances raise important questions surrounding consent, privacy, biobanking, and research ethics. We explore emerging technologies which use placental tissue and the pressing associated bioethical concerns they raise.

Keywords: biobanking; bioethics; in vitro placental models; microphysiological systems; organoids.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Bioengineering*
Biological Specimen Banks
Ethics, Research
Female
Humans
Placenta*
Pregnancy
Privacy