thedrifter
04-05-07, 07:51 AM
Scientists make liquid to fill, repair wounds
By Kelly Kennedy - Staff writer
Posted : Wednesday Apr 4, 2007 20:48:18 EDT
When a dentist fixes a cavity, he scoops out a rotten tooth, and then fills the hole with silver.
What if a similar, temporary process could be used to repair broken bones, spinal-cord inflammation or split arteries?
Scientists at Purdue University have developed a new material that begins as a liquid and then hardens to fill gaps in damaged or missing tissue. And the material may contain antibiotics to prevent infection, “growth factors” to promote tissue regeneration, or blood-clotting materials to aid in healing. Then as healthy tissue begins to grow, the material disintegrates.
“I can envision things like liquid bandages in conjunction with anesthetic delivery,” said Alyssa Panitch, lead scientist on the project. “Our main focuses right now are wound healing, [central nervous system] repair, vascular repair and orthopedic indications.”
The process works in a similar way to how the body creates tissue. Molecules called polysaccharides — basically starches or sugars — combine with peptides, the body’s protein building blocks, to create temporary tissue.
“The matrix can have any shape you want it to,” Panitch said in a statement. “It would solidify immediately to fill the defect.”
In the case of injured spinal cords, the material could be injected into the afflicted area to control swelling, which can cause more damage than the initial injury.
The material also may help heart patients with stents. Stents are used to keep arteries open after surgery, but sometimes cells grow up and around them, causing the artery to close again. The new material could include an anti-cell-building mechanism that could stop that growth.
If necessary, the tissue can be removed by heating it until it reaches the consistency of a gel, Panitch said.
Panitch, who specializes in regenerative medicine, said the idea arose during “lots of conversations” with one of her former graduate students, Brandon Seal. They presented their work at the American Chemical Society’s annual meeting March 26.
Panitch is working to find ways to make the material stronger but still allow the release of antibiotics or clotting materials.
The new material is still in the study stages and is not yet available for use.
Ellie
By Kelly Kennedy - Staff writer
Posted : Wednesday Apr 4, 2007 20:48:18 EDT
When a dentist fixes a cavity, he scoops out a rotten tooth, and then fills the hole with silver.
What if a similar, temporary process could be used to repair broken bones, spinal-cord inflammation or split arteries?
Scientists at Purdue University have developed a new material that begins as a liquid and then hardens to fill gaps in damaged or missing tissue. And the material may contain antibiotics to prevent infection, “growth factors” to promote tissue regeneration, or blood-clotting materials to aid in healing. Then as healthy tissue begins to grow, the material disintegrates.
“I can envision things like liquid bandages in conjunction with anesthetic delivery,” said Alyssa Panitch, lead scientist on the project. “Our main focuses right now are wound healing, [central nervous system] repair, vascular repair and orthopedic indications.”
The process works in a similar way to how the body creates tissue. Molecules called polysaccharides — basically starches or sugars — combine with peptides, the body’s protein building blocks, to create temporary tissue.
“The matrix can have any shape you want it to,” Panitch said in a statement. “It would solidify immediately to fill the defect.”
In the case of injured spinal cords, the material could be injected into the afflicted area to control swelling, which can cause more damage than the initial injury.
The material also may help heart patients with stents. Stents are used to keep arteries open after surgery, but sometimes cells grow up and around them, causing the artery to close again. The new material could include an anti-cell-building mechanism that could stop that growth.
If necessary, the tissue can be removed by heating it until it reaches the consistency of a gel, Panitch said.
Panitch, who specializes in regenerative medicine, said the idea arose during “lots of conversations” with one of her former graduate students, Brandon Seal. They presented their work at the American Chemical Society’s annual meeting March 26.
Panitch is working to find ways to make the material stronger but still allow the release of antibiotics or clotting materials.
The new material is still in the study stages and is not yet available for use.
Ellie