Advanced Science, 2024 · DOI: 10.1002/advs.202401882 · Published: July 18, 2024
This research introduces a new biopatch designed to help heal bone defects by improving stem cell therapies. The patch uses a biodegradable material that assembles into tiny, active micelles. These micelles help stem cells grow and form bone by controlling inflammation and cell death pathways. The biopatch is made by combining these micelles with electrospun nanofibers, creating a surface that supports bone growth. By integrating the bioactive patch with a stem cell sheet, the biopatch showed potentiated bone regeneration capacity. To improve how well the patch sticks to bone, the researchers added tannic acid to the surface, which helps it stay in place longer and work better. The biopatch strategy can be applied to promote stem cell therapies for spinal cord injury, wound healing, and skin burns.
The biopatch offers a promising approach to improve bone regeneration in cases of significant bone defects or in conditions where inflammation impairs healing.
The use of stem cells from the patient's own periodontal ligament allows for a personalized treatment approach, reducing the risk of immune rejection.
The osteoimmunity-regulating biopatch strategy may be adapted to promote stem cell therapies in other regenerative medicine applications, such as spinal cord injury, wound healing, and skin burns.