Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Scaffold-free cartilage produced using embryonic-derived mesenchymal stem cell spheroids

A new study demonstrates the potential to produce cellular spheroids from clinically relevant embryonic stem cells to generate scaffold-free chondrogenic or osteochondrogenic graft tissues. The researchers successfully cultured ES-MSC cellular spheroids, which matured into neocartilage tissues expressing cartilage-associated genes.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalTissue Engineering Part A·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 13, 2025

Researchers develop new test for early osteoarthritis diagnosis

Researchers have developed a new diagnostic test that uses two markers found in the synovial fluid of patients' joints to differentiate osteoarthritis from inflammatory arthritis. The algorithm, based on the ratio of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein and interleukin-8, has been validated with high accuracy.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Orthopaedic Research®·DateDec 18, 2024

New bioprinting technique creates functional tissue 10x faster

A team of researchers at Penn State developed a novel bioprinting technique that uses spheroids to create complex tissue, producing tissue 10-times faster and with high cell density. The technique enables the rapid fabrication of functional tissues and organs, opening new opportunities for regenerative medicine.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 3, 2024

SMART researchers pioneer novel method to enhance effectiveness of MSC therapy for cartilage repair

Researchers developed a novel method to enhance the efficacy of MSC-based therapy for articular cartilage repair by adding ascorbic acid during MSC expansion. The addition improved chondrogenic differentiation, reduced cell heterogeneity, and showed a robust shift in metabolic profile.

SourceSingapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART)·JournalStem Cell Research & Therapy·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 15, 2024

New biomaterial regrows damaged cartilage in joints

Researchers developed a bioactive material that successfully regenerated high-quality cartilage in animal models, promoting enhanced repair and growth of new cartilage containing natural biopolymers. The material's effectiveness was tested in sheep with cartilage defects, showing promising results for potential use in humans.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 5, 2024

‘Dancing molecules’ heal cartilage damage

Researchers developed an injectable therapy harnessing fast-moving 'dancing molecules' to repair damaged human cartilage cells. The treatment activated gene expression necessary for cartilage regeneration within four hours, and human cells produced protein components needed for cartilage growth after just three days.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 26, 2024

Mechanobiomaterials: A rising field using mechanobiology principles to program the functional biomaterials

Researchers develop mechanobiomaterials inspired by biomechanics to modulate biological responses with material-tissue mechanical interactions. This approach aims to create biomaterials that can adapt to changing mechanical environments in vivo, enhancing the body's regenerative potential and repairing various tissues.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalMechanobiology in Medicine·DateJun 28, 2024

Bone stem cells with IFITM5 mutation get caught in a loop leading to osteogenesis imperfecta type V

A study by Baylor College of Medicine reveals the molecular events leading to osteogenesis imperfecta type V, a form of brittle bone disease caused by an IFITM5 mutation. The mutation disrupts normal bone stem cell development, leading to extremely brittle bones and recurrent fractures.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 26, 2024

New hope to treat and reverse osteoarthritis

Researchers at the University of Adelaide have discovered a novel population of stem cells responsible for osteoarthritis progression. Treatment with fibroblast growth factor 18 (FGF18) stimulated cartilage recovery and reduced osteoarthritis, offering a potential pharmaceutical treatment to address the disease.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 31, 2023

Will robotic assisted in situ bioprinting become the next generation of surgical modality for cartilage repair?

The technique has the potential to overcome major shortcomings associated with conventional bioprinting, allowing real-time wound treatment and immediate anastomosis with native tissue. However, challenges remain, including integration with surrounding tissues and limited access to defect sites in articular joints.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateJun 25, 2023

New research shows promising results for the development of a nonsurgical treatment for degenerative rotator cuff injury in the elderly

A novel study found that honokiol promotes healing of rotator cuff injury and may be an effective treatment for humans. The study suggests that SIRT3 activation plays a protective role in alleviating aging-induced fibrocartilage degeneration and promoting rotator cuff healing.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 20, 2023

How to assemble a complete jaw

A USC-led team of scientists identified the key gene Nr5a2, essential for opening up genome regions that enable neural crest cells to form tendons and salivary glands. Zebrafish and mice lacking this gene exhibited skeletal and tendon defects, as well as failed salivary gland development.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalDevelopmental Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 10, 2023

Better transplants for better joints: A closer look at micromechanical mismatch influences in cartilage regeneration

A team of scientists from TIBI, UIC, and POSTECH has elucidated key points on how cartilage generation is facilitated and alternative bone formation can be avoided. They found optimal conditions for better cartilage regeneration while reducing excessive cartilage formation using human mesenchymal stem cells.

SourceTerasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation·JournalMatter·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 21, 2022

Fishing for new source of proteoglycans, an important health food ingredient

Researchers from Tokyo University of Science discovered that bony fish head cartilage contains abundant proteoglycans, including aggrecan, with similar CS structures to salmon nasal cartilage. This finding reveals the potential of sturgeon as an alternative source of CSPGs for health food formulations.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalInternational Journal of Biological Macromolecules·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 26, 2022

Understanding the biology and possible biological treatments of cartilage for osteoarthritis of the knee, using computational modelling

Researchers have developed a computational model to understand the regulation of proteins by chondrocytes, which may help find new treatments for osteoarthritis. The model takes into account both synthesis and degradation processes, allowing for more accurate predictions of treatment results.

SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 12, 2022

It’s all in the hiPS

A team of researchers from Osaka University and Kyoto University developed a stem cell-based biomaterial, hiPS-Cart, to treat IVD degeneration and prevent further deterioration. The biomaterial was able to survive and maintain its functionality in lab rats with NP removal, reversing IVF and vertebral bone degeneration.

SourceOsaka University·JournalBiomaterials·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 18, 2022

Stopping arthritis before it starts

Researchers at Keck School of Medicine of USC have developed a stem cell-based bio-implant to repair cartilage and delay joint degeneration. The Plurocart implant successfully integrates into damaged articular cartilage tissue and survives for up to six months.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·Journalnpj Regenerative Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 9, 2021