Just one growth factor
New biomaterial restores blood vessels and bones
Svetlana Maslova, N+1
Preclinical studies have already shown that the material promotes the regeneration of even large bone defects, while simultaneously triggering the formation of new blood vessels. It also has potential for applications in other areas of tissue engineering, including cartilage repair and spinal cord injury.
Article by Sheehy et al. Mechanobiology-informed regenerative medicine: Dose-controlled release of placental growth factor from a functionalized collagen-based scaffold promotes angiogenesis and accelerates bone defect healing published in Journal of Controlled Release – VM.
Scientists from The Royal College of Surgeons of Ireland presented a new biomaterial that provides a one-step approach for the restoration of large bone defects. Modern materials that promote the growth of new bone tissue and blood vessels usually require the use of several therapeutic agents, but scientists wanted to reduce the risks of potential side effects and worked to create a single broad-spectrum drug.
From previous studies, they knew that the PGF gene, called placenta growth factor, has the necessary properties for bone and vascular regeneration. Now they have developed a biomaterial consisting of alginate and collagen, which acts as a framework for delivering PGF to the body in various concentrations.
First, the biomaterial releases a high dose of PGF to trigger the growth of new blood vessels, and then for a long time a lower dose to trigger bone regeneration.
Preclinical studies have shown that the material promotes the restoration of even large bone defects in the skull of rats and vascular regeneration. Scientists have already established optimal concentrations of the substance for simultaneous stimulation of angiogenesis and osteogenesis, but there is still a lot of work to be done.
"Further trials are needed, but if successful, the drug will benefit many patients to repair bone damage. This problem is still very serious," commented the author of the work, Fergal O'Brien. In the future, scientists are considering the possibilities for using biomaterial to restore other body tissues, including cartilage, spinal cord and others.
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