New biomaterial regrows damaged cartilage in joints

Northwestern University researchers have developed a new bioactive material that successfully regenerates high-quality cartilage in knee joints, as demonstrated in a large-animal model. This innovative material, which resembles a rubbery substance, mimics the natural environment of cartilage and promotes repair in damaged areas. In a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the material was applied to cartilage defects in sheep, leading to the growth of new cartilage containing essential biopolymers like collagen II and proteoglycans. The researchers believe this therapy could address significant clinical needs, potentially preventing the need for knee replacement surgeries and treating conditions such as osteoarthritis and sports injuries. The material consists of a bioactive peptide that binds to transforming growth factor beta-1 and modified hyaluronic acid, which is naturally found in cartilage. The study's lead researcher, Samuel I. Stupp, emphasized the importance of using a sheep model due to its similarities to human cartilage, which is notoriously difficult to regenerate. The new approach aims to regenerate hyaline cartilage, which is more durable than fibrocartilage produced by current surgical methods. Future applications may include use during open-joint or arthroscopic surgeries, offering a long-term solution for joint pain and mobility issues.

- Northwestern University has developed a bioactive material that regenerates cartilage in knee joints.

- The material was tested in sheep, showing significant cartilage repair within six months.

- It could potentially prevent knee replacements and treat degenerative diseases like osteoarthritis.

- The new approach aims to regenerate durable hyaline cartilage rather than fibrocartilage.

- The study highlights the importance of using large-animal models for predicting human treatment outcomes.