Scientists Use Mucus-Based Technique to Promote Tissue Growth: A Novel Approach with Exciting Potential

Researchers at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg (MLU), the University of Leipzig, the University of Aveiro (Portugal), and the Fraunhofer Institute for Microstructure of Materials and Systems IMWS in Halle have developed a new technique that involves coating implant materials with gene-activated biomaterial.

This can help stimulate localized and targeted bone healing after complicated fractures or severe tissue loss following surgery by inducing stem cells to produce bone tissue, as demonstrated in their study published in the well-regarded journal, Advanced Healthcare Materials.

Bones have an impressive ability to regenerate and regain full functionality after a fracture due to their capacity to form new tissue at the fracture site. However, in cases of complicated fractures or major tissue loss, the self-healing power of bones is insufficient and implants are required to stabilize the bone, replace joint parts, or bridge larger defects with degradable materials.

Implants Crucial Part

The incorporation of such implants into the bone is crucial to their success. To enhance this process, there have been increased efforts to coat implants with bioactive materials that can activate bone cells and mesenchymal stem cells. Professor Thomas Groth, head of the Biomedical Materials research group at MLU's Institute of Pharmacy, explains this concept. Although mesenchymal stem cells are capable of generating various types of tissue, it can be challenging to activate them specifically for bone regeneration. To tackle this issue, an extracellular matrix can be employed.

As Professor Groth explains, the tissue between bone cells is composed of various elements, such as collagens and chondroitin sulphate, which can be artificially replicated and applied to the surface of implants, making them bioactive. This increases the chances of implant incorporation and reduces the likelihood of rejection by the body. Additionally, drugs and activators such as the protein BMP-2 can be added to the artificial extracellular matrix to stimulate bone growth.

However, studies have demonstrated that the high dose of BMP-2 required can cause uncontrolled bone tissue formation in the surrounding muscle and lead to other undesirable side effects, despite its use in spinal fusions or the treatment of complicated, non-healing fractures. To reduce the side effects associated with stimulating stem cells for bone regeneration, the researchers from Halle, Leipzig, and Aveiro propose a procedure that focuses on enhancing the design of the extracellular matrix in a more targeted manner.

Specialized Technology Applying Biomaterial

They use a special layer-by-layer technology to apply the biomaterial to the implant, allowing them to control the composition, structure, and properties of the extracellular matrix at the nano level. As Professor Groth explains, this is a sophisticated process that they have perfected at MLU in collaboration with Fraunhofer IMWS. To functionalize the biomaterial, designing it at the nano level is necessary. For this purpose, the researchers have sought the expertise of Dr. Christian Wölk from Leipzig.

Technology Networks reported that, instead of directly incorporating large amounts of BMP-2 into the biofilm, which could lead to uncontrolled release, Dr. Wölk packages DNA fragments into lipid nanoparticles that act as transport containers. After implant insertion, the DNA fragments migrate into the bone tissue cells and stimulate them to produce BMP-2. This, in turn, activates bone-forming stem cells while minimizing side effects.

Thomas Groth says that developing a thin-film surface coating to mimic the extracellular matrix and functionalizing it with nanoparticles is a significant achievement in pharmaceutical materials research. This approach can release DNA in a targeted way, which limits the stimulation of tissue growth concerning time and location, without any negative side effects. Groth believes that this method is also well-suited for transporting mRNA and expands the possibilities of regenerative medicine, not just for bone formation, but for other therapeutic applications as well.

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