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New biomaterial regrows blood vessels and bone, RCSI research

Scientists have developed a new biomaterial that regrows both blood vessels and bone, potentially providing an alternative to current systems. The biomaterial was inspired by the natural way in which bone defects regenerate and uses a mechanobiology-informed approach to promote both angiogenesis and osteogenesis.

SourceRCSI·JournalJournal of Controlled Release·DateApr 20, 2021

A new species of spider

A new species of spider, Ocrepeira klamt, has been discovered by a University of Bayreuth researcher in the highlands of Colombia. The spider differs from related species in its reproductive organs and is native to an altitude of over 3,500 meters above sea-level.

SourceUniversität Bayreuth·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 16, 2020

New biomaterial could shield against harmful radiation

Researchers at Northwestern University have synthesized a new form of melanin enriched with selenium, called selenomelanin, which shows promise as a shield for human tissue against harmful radiation. The new biomaterial offers better protection than traditional forms of melanin and has potential applications in space travel

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJul 8, 2020

Combinatorial screening approach opens path to better-quality joint cartilage

A collaborative research team has developed a multi-component biomaterial-based screening approach that identifies material compositions and mechanical stimuli enabling human stem cells to differentiate into cells capable of generating higher-quality articular cartilage. The study uses high-throughput screening with multiple combinatio...

A better way to rebuild cartilage

A team of scientists has created a new class of 3D-printed biomaterials that can direct the regeneration of functional tissue in damaged cartilage. The materials are designed to provide cells with the exact cues they need to form tissue organized in the same way as natural cartilage.

New remote-controlled 'smart' platform helps in cardiovascular disease treatment

Researchers developed a remote-controlled 'smart' platform to mimic natural extracellular matrix-mediated endothelialization. The platform uses shape-memory polymers and gold nanorods to direct programmed vascular endothelium remodeling in a temporally controllable manner, offering new possibilities for treating cardiovascular disease.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNational Science Review·DateDec 3, 2019

New 3D printing technique for biomaterials

Researchers at the University of Birmingham have developed a new 3D printing technique called Suspended Layer Additive Manufacturing (SLAM) that can create soft biomaterials for repairing body defects. The technique uses a polymer-based hydrogel with self-healing properties, allowing for precise detail and support without sagging.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateOct 4, 2019

Citrate-based biomaterial fuels bone healing with less rejection

Researchers at Penn State have discovered that citrate, a natural product found in bones and citrus fruit, can fuel bone healing by providing extra energy for stem cells. This understanding will help develop slow-release biomaterials to speed up bone repair and reduce inflammation.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 26, 2018

Modified biomaterials self-assemble on temperature cues

Biomaterials with precisely ordered structures could be used for various biomedical applications due to their precise control of self-assembly. The hybrid approach allows researchers to expand the chemical diversity of protein-based materials by combining different alphabets, such as amino acids and lipids.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Chemistry·DateMar 19, 2018

Millions in funding for TU Dresden

TU Dresden will establish two new Collaborative Research Centres (CRCs) and continue a third CRC, receiving significant funding from the German Research Foundation (DFG). The new CRCs focus on interdisciplinary research topics such as vituperations and insults, and the adrenal's role in stress and disease.

Next-generation biomaterial being developed to treat bleeding

Researchers at Mayo Clinic are developing a universal shear-thinning biomaterial that can be injected through an endovascular catheter, creating an impenetrable cast of the vessel and preventing further bleeding. This alternative to metallic coils may improve treatment outcomes for patients undergoing coil embolization.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateNov 16, 2016

POSTECH team creates a more durable protein hydrogel based on elastic silk-like protein

Researchers created a mechanically durable hydrogel using an elastic silk-like protein called aneroin, which has improved mechanical properties compared to collagen and silkworm silk. The aneroin hydrogel provided an adequate environment for cell growth, proliferating mammalian cells with healthy morphology.

Could dissolvable microneedles replace injected vaccines?

A new vaccine patch made of dissolvable material has been shown to be effective in protecting against flu infection, with an immune reaction equal to or stronger than traditional needle-delivered vaccines. The patch is easy to use without medical personnel, making it ideal for developing countries.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiomaterials·DateJul 14, 2015

Building a town house from bio-based plastics

The book explores the potential of 3D printing with biomaterials to minimize our carbon footprint and create sustainable products. A remarkable example is the printing of an entire town house from bio-based plastics, which reduces the material's carbon footprint by more than 60%.