For centuries, ancient civilizations utilized naturally occurring inorganic materials for their healing properties. Egyptians used green copper ore for eye inflammation, the Chinese used cinnabar for heartburn, and Native Americans applied clay to reduce soreness and inflammation. Today, researchers at Texas A&M University are building on these ancient practices, exploring how inorganic materials can support modern tissue repair and regeneration.
In two recently published articles, Dr. Akhilesh Gaharwar, a Tim and Amy Leach Endowed Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering, and Dr. Irtisha Singh, an assistant professor in the Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, have uncovered new ways inorganic materials can aid tissue repair and regeneration.
Groundbreaking Research Findings
The first article, published in Acta Biomaterialia, reveals that stem cells can activate pathways for bone and cartilage formation using inorganic ions. The research demonstrates that these ions can induce natural bone formation, presenting significant potential for improving treatment outcomes, reducing patient recovery times, and minimizing the need for invasive procedures and long-term medications.
The second article, published in Advanced Science, explores the use of mineral-based nanomaterials, specifically 2D nanosilicates, in musculoskeletal regeneration. These nanomaterials have shown promise in stabilizing stem cells in a state conducive to skeletal tissue regeneration, a critical factor for promoting controlled and sustained bone growth.
Expert Insights
“These studies use advanced molecular methods to understand how inorganic biomaterials influence stem cell behavior and tissue regeneration,” said Dr. Singh. The ability to enhance bone density and formation, particularly in patients with conditions like osteoporosis, can significantly reduce fracture risks, improve quality of life, and lower healthcare costs.
“Enhancing bone density and formation in patients with osteoporosis can reduce fracture risks, strengthen bones, improve quality of life, and lower healthcare costs,” said Dr. Gaharwar. “These findings pave the way for developing next-generation biomaterials that offer a more natural and sustainable approach to healing.”
Future Applications
Dr. Gaharwar’s research highlights the potential of these new methods to differ from current regeneration techniques that rely on organic or biologically derived molecules, offering more tailored solutions for complex medical issues.
“One significant discovery from our research is the ability of nanosilicates to stabilize stem cells in a state favorable for skeletal tissue regeneration,” he said. “This is crucial for controlled and sustained bone growth, a major challenge in current regenerative therapies.”
Looking ahead, Dr. Gaharwar plans to further develop biomaterials for clinical applications, integrating inorganic biomaterials with 3D bioprinting techniques to create custom bone implants for reconstructive surgeries.
“In reconstructive surgery, especially for craniofacial defects, induced bone growth is essential for restoring function and appearance, critical for chewing, breathing, and speaking,” he said. “Inducing bone formation has vital applications in orthopedics and dentistry.”
Research Team
Dr. Anna Kersey, a former biomedical engineering graduate student, was the lead author of the Acta Biomaterialia article, and Aparna Murali, a current biomedical engineering graduate student, was the lead author of the Advanced Science article.
“This approach bridges ancient practices with modern scientific methods and reduces the use of protein therapeutics, which can cause abnormal tissue growth and cancer,” said Dr. Gaharwar. “Overall, these findings highlight the potential of inorganic biomaterials as powerful tools in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, marking a significant advancement in the field.”
