As we age or as a result of injury, our cartilage can deteriorate, putting our mobility at serious risk. Previously, such complications required surgery, but scientists have created a unique material that can repair them.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed an innovative biomaterial designed to regenerate damaged knee cartilage, with promising results in animal trials. Extremetech writes that the new approach aims to offer a less invasive alternative to traditional joint reconstruction methods.
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Scientists want to revolutionize the treatment of damaged cartilage using an “injectable scaffold” consisting of modified hyaluronic acid and a bioactive peptide that binds to TGFb-1, a protein critical for cartilage growth. The combination produces nano-sized fibers that mimic the natural structure of cartilage and promote tissue regeneration, according to a study published in the journal Cell. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Osteoarthritis is a debilitating disease that affects more than three million adults each year in the United States alone. It causes the cartilage in joints to break down, making movement painful and difficult. Current treatments, such as microfracture surgery, are invasive and require a long recovery period. In severe cases, patients undergo cartilage replacement surgery or total knee replacement, which requires a long recovery period.
Initial tests of the new method in sheep, whose joint cartilage has similar non-regenerative properties to humans, showed that the biomaterial transformed into a rubbery matrix that filled the gaps in the damaged cartilage and created an elastic framework. “The work in the sheep model allowed us to more accurately predict how the treatment would work in humans. In other small animals, cartilage regeneration occurs much more rapidly,” said Samuel Stupp, a renowned materials scientist at Northwestern University and co-author of the study.
This biomaterial could prevent the need for knee replacement surgery and avoid more invasive procedures by repairing tissue in the early stages. It could also be useful in sports medicine to repair cartilage damage caused by injuries in athletes.
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Important! This article is based on the latest scientific and medical research and does not contradict it. The text is for informational purposes only and does not contain medical advice. Be sure to consult a doctor for diagnosis.
Source: Focus
Ashley Fitzgerald is an accomplished journalist in the field of technology. She currently works as a writer at 24 news breaker. With a deep understanding of the latest technology developments, Ashley’s writing provides readers with insightful analysis and unique perspectives on the industry.