Scientists have made a breakthrough in regenerative medicine by creating a new material from blood that can repair bones and potentially treat various injuries and diseases.
This discovery could lead to personalized, 3D-printed implants made from a patient’s own blood, paving the way for safer and more effective treatments.
The research, conducted by teams at the University of Nottingham’s Schools of Pharmacy and Chemical Engineering, was recently published in the journal Advanced Materials.
The team developed a method to harness the natural healing power of blood and enhance its ability to repair tissues.
How blood heals the body
Our bodies are naturally equipped to heal small wounds and fractures, thanks to a complex biological process. When an injury occurs, blood forms a solid structure called a regenerative hematoma (RH), which contains important cells, proteins, and growth factors that work together to repair the tissue.
However, for larger injuries or conditions that overwhelm this natural healing process, medical intervention is often required. That’s where the new blood-based material comes in—it mimics and even enhances the body’s natural healing abilities.
Turning blood into a healing material
The researchers used synthetic peptide molecules to create a material that works with the body’s natural processes. These peptides, when mixed with a patient’s blood, self-assemble into a material that supports and improves tissue regeneration. This method creates a material that not only mimics the regenerative hematoma but also strengthens its structure and function.
What’s remarkable about this material is its versatility. It can be shaped, manipulated, and even 3D-printed while still maintaining the natural healing properties of blood. For example, it supports normal platelet function, releases growth factors, and attracts the right cells needed for tissue repair.
The researchers successfully tested the material in animal models, showing that it could repair bone using the animal’s own blood. This success could lead to human applications, offering a personalized approach to treating injuries.
A new approach to healing
Professor Alvaro Mata, who led the study, explains that this “biocooperative” approach works with the body’s natural biology instead of trying to replicate it synthetically.
“For years, scientists have tried to recreate the natural healing environment, but it’s incredibly complex. By working with biology, we can use the body’s own regenerative mechanisms as a tool to create these materials.”
Dr. Cosimo Ligorio, a co-author of the study, highlights the accessibility of this method. “The ability to turn a patient’s own blood into regenerative implants is exciting. Blood is easy to obtain and practically free, making this a cost-effective and safe option for personalized medicine.”
The team’s goal is to develop a simple and safe toolkit that can be used in clinics to quickly transform a patient’s blood into a regenerative implant. This personalized approach could reduce complications and improve outcomes for patients with severe injuries or degenerative conditions.
This innovative use of blood has the potential to revolutionize regenerative medicine, offering safer, faster, and more personalized treatments for a range of medical challenges.
