We’ve already heard about implantable materials with a scaffolding-like microstructure, that help heal broken bones by giving bone cells a place to migrate into. A new one could work even better, though, by also providing electrical stimulation.
Scientists have previously had success using implants to mimic the body’s own electrical field, stimulating bone cells into reproducing. Unfortunately, though, these devices have tended to be bulky, requiring an integrated (potentially toxic) battery or a hard-wired external power source. Additionally, once the broken bone has healed, the implants have to be surgically removed.
As the body’s stimulated bone cells proceeded to reproduce within the scaffolding, it would gradually and harmlessly dissolve. Eventually the material would be entirely replaced with natural bone, so nothing would need to be removed.
In tests conducted so far, the material has been used to boost the healing of skull fractures in mice. The scientists are now working on making the scaffolding more favorable to bone growth, and on gaining a better understanding of exactly how electrical fields stimulate bone cells to reproduce. Ultimately, it is hoped that the technology could also help to regrow other types of tissue, such as muscles, nerves or cartilage.
Electrified scaffolding could one day heal broken bones [New Atlas]