And team of scientists from the University of Nottingham has developed a regenerative material that uses blood taken from a patient to create personalized implants with the potential to repair bones and treat various injuries. The project uses peptide molecules capable of guiding fundamental biological processes for the natural tissue healing.
The researchers explained that, under normal conditions, the human body It can regenerate tissues with some efficiency after small injuries. This process involves a complex biological environment that begins with liquid blood, which gives rise to the so-called solid regenerative hematoma, known as RH. This natural microenvironment contains cells, macromolecules and essential factors that act together to orchestrate the regeneration of damaged tissue, always according to experts.
The team designed a method that mixes synthetic peptides with whole blood taken from the patient, an approach that allows the creation of a regenerative material that takes advantage of the molecules, cells and natural mechanisms involved in the healing process.
The generated materials not only mimic the structural and functional properties of natural regenerative hematoma, but also improve them to enhance tissue recovery. The research, led by specialists from the faculties of Pharmacy and Chemical Engineering, was presented in the scientific journal Advanced Materials.
The scientists were able to demonstrate in animal models the effectiveness of this material in bone repair, since it preserves key functions of the RH, such as the generation of growth factors, the recruitment of cells necessary for healing and normal platelet behavior, as they disclosed. Additionally, it can be easily manipulated to suit specific applications, including 3D printing. This opens the possibility of designing personalized regenerative implants according to the needs of each patient.
Álvaro Mata, professor of Biomedical Engineering and Biomaterials at the University of Nottingham and leader of the study, pointed out that the project was based on a “look” different from the traditional one. “For years, scientists have been searching for synthetic approaches to recreate the natural regenerative environment, which has proven difficult given its inherent complexity. “In this case, we have taken an approach to try to work with the biology rather than recreate it,” the specialist said in a press release.
The breakthrough involves harnessing the natural mechanisms of the healing process as steps for manufacturing regenerative materials. This approach, called “biocooperative” by researchers, makes it possible to design materials that integrate and improve the capabilities of the natural biological system. According to Mata, this method represents a change in the way the challenges of regenerative medicine are addressed by working directly with biology rather than trying to replicate it artificially.
Cosimo Ligorioco-author of the study and member of the Faculty of Engineering at the same university, highlighted the practical implications of the project. “The possibility of easily and safely converting people’s blood into highly regenerative implants is really exciting. “Blood is virtually free and can be easily obtained from patients in relatively high volumes,” he noted.
In addition, the team is currently working on the development of tools that allow blood to be transformed into regenerative materials in a clinical environment. These actions seek to simplify and streamline the process, by making it possible for implants to be produced directly in hospitals and medical centers.
Ligorio stated that the final objective is to establish a set of accessible tools that allow the generation of implants rich in regenerative factors and adaptable to different medical needs, since the study even details how the developed material uses the resources of the human body to enhance regeneration. of fabrics.
Although initial testing was carried out in animal models, the results suggest significant potential for clinical applications in humans. That is why the scientists did not specify a deadline for its implementation in patients, but they believe that the project could open new possibilities in regenerative medicine.
