 |
Could nanotubes stimulate cartilage growth?
 Could nanotubes stimulate cartilage growth? 6/25/2008 Bioengineers are hoping they may have solved some of the problems associated with the healing of joint injuries. Many individuals who sustain cartilage damage never fully recover because cartilage generally lacks the ability to heal and rebuild itself as other tissues do. But Brown University nanotechnology engineer Thomas Webster has discovered a way to regenerate cartilage naturally by utilizing carbon nanotubes and electrical pulses. Until now, the most common method for alleviating pain from cartilage loss has been to inject the sufferer with an artificial gel that imitates cartilage’s ability to act as a shock absorber. This solution is temporary, however, and requires follow-up injections. Webster’s research suggests a better solution. In recently published results of his research, he shows that cartilage can be regenerated naturally by creating a synthetic surface that attracts cartilage-forming cells. These cells can then be coaxed to multiply through electrical pulses. Brown University says this is the first study to show enhanced cartilage regeneration using this method. Webster and his research team found that the rough, uneven surface of carbon nanotubes closely resembles the contours of natural tissue. For this reason, cartilage-forming cells called chondrocytes see the nanotubes as a natural environment to colonize. Previous research has involved using a micron surface, which is smoother at the nanoscale. Webster believes his carbon nanosurface works better because of its roughness and because it can be shaped to fit the contours of the degenerated area. His research also showed that cartilage cells could be prodded to grow more densely if they were zapped by electrical pulses. While indicating that he was not entirely sure why electricity had this effect, Webster said he thought it was because electricity helped calcium ions enter cells, and calcium is known to play an integral role in cartilage growth. The Brown research team now plans to test their cartilage-regeneration method on animals and, if successful, will proceed to human research. The National Science Foundation, under the federal National Nanotechnology Initiative, is funding their work. The technique for growing cartilage involves using the nanotubes texture and electrical properties. Polycarbonate sheets roughened with nanotubes create a more optimal surface for growing cartilage cells than uncoated polycarbonate. The tubes seem to provide a better scaffold, stimulating the cells to grow more densely. For reasons that are yet unclear, the Brown group also found that cartilage cells could be prodded to grow even faster if an electrical charge is applied to the nanotubes. If their work continues to pan out, the researchers believe the results will be cartilage implants and improved joint replacements. << Back to News Join our online discussion forum and comment on this article!
|
|
Join Now | My Profile | Calendar | Contact Us | Site Map | |
|
