Artificial Placentas Developed to Aid Premature Babies

A groundbreaking research project is developing an artificial placenta to give extremely premature babies a better chance at survival and development. Scientists at the Women and Infants Research Foundation (WIRF) in Perth are working on technology that could allow babies born as early as 22 or 23 weeks to continue receiving nutrients and oxygen, much like they would in the womb.

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These are extremely small, underdeveloped babies. More often than not, they're born early because there's something wrong with the pregnancy as well.

Professor Matt Kemp, the lead scientist, explained that these extremely early births often occur because of complications with the pregnancy itself, such as infection or placental issues. "These are extremely small, underdeveloped babies," he said. "More often than not, they're born early because there's something wrong with the pregnancy as well."

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This artificial placenta technology that we're conceptualising and building is a way of trying to give these babies another three or four weeks perhaps to grow and develop in an environment that's not dissimilar [to the uterus].

The artificial placenta is designed to act as a "bridge out of the uterus," providing an environment for babies to grow and mature for an additional three to four weeks. This extended period aims to help them develop sufficiently to eventually breathe room air and eat independently. The device, currently being tested in sheep, connects to the baby via the umbilical cord and is uniquely powered by the fetus's own heart, making it highly responsive to the baby's needs.

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It's two small, clear perspex blocks about the size of a Rubik's Cube connected to a bunch of catheters and hosing. It is essentially a miniaturized gas exchange device.

Beyond its potential clinical application, the research is also deepening scientists' understanding of how the human placenta functions. This complex organ is the fetus's complete life-support system, responsible for nutrient supply and gas exchange. The artificial system, while not resembling a natural placenta, functions as a miniaturized gas exchange device, offering vital support during a critical developmental window.

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But the remarkable thing about the system that we've developed is that the system's powered by the fetus itself, the fetal heart drives the system. It's not powered by an external pump or pressure source, and that makes it really responsive to the needs of that fetus.