Tissue regeneration method created
15 Dec 2017 by Evoluted New Media
Researchers from the University of Birmingham have found a way to successfully mimic the body’s natural healing process.
Researchers from the University of Birmingham have found a way to successfully mimic the body’s natural healing process. Using cell derived nano-sized particles called vesicles; the scientists were able to repair damaged tissue. Through this new technique, the researchers believe there is potential to help repair, bone, teeth and cartilage.
Dr Sophie Cox, from the School of Chemical Engineering at the University, said: “Though we can never fully mimic the complexity of vesicles produced by cells in nature, this work describes a new pathway harnessing natural developmental processes to facilitate hard tissue repair.”
The researchers’ solution delivers the advantages of cell-based therapies but without using viable cells, through using the regenerative capacity of extracellular vesicles – naturally generated during bone formation. In-vitro testing revealed that if these vesicles were applied in combination with a simple phosphate, it outperforms the current gold standard, BMP-2.
Dr Own Davies also from the University, said: “It is early days, but the potential is there for this to transform the way we approach tissue repair. We’re now looking to produce these therapeutically valuable particles at scale and also examine their capacity to regenerate other tissues.”
Fracture numbers are expected to double by 2020, placing a lot of strain on healthcare systems. Fractures linked to osteoporosis cost the NHS £1.5bn. The paper was published in Scientific Reports.
