Synthetic Bioscaffold

What types of synthetic bioscaffolds are currently under investigation?

                A common procedure performed on trauma patients is bone fixation.  Extreme trauma to any region can cause massive bone loss.  This type of injury is generally repaired using metal plates or other mechanical fixation devices.  However, the implantation of these devices can be invasive, cause disastrous immune reactions, and ultimately fail.  In response to this, scientists at the University of Michigan have developed a synthetic bioscaffold which can be implanted into the injury site and promote natural and rapid bone growth.  The bioscaffold, known as FlexBone, is composed of materials which give it characteristics that are almost identical to bone.  They also incorporate a substance which stimulates bone regeneration, known as hydroxyapetite.  The implantation consists of cutting the material to fit the void, pressing it in, and allowing it to naturally heal the bone while releasing a steady concentration of antibiotics to prevent contamination.  This development is paramount to the advancement of the orthopedic profession. 

                An extremely important development recently made by the researching staff at MIT may remedy the stem cell culture issues encountered by groups attempting to rejuvenate old tissue.  MIT personnel have developed a novel synthetic material which allows for the culturing of stem cells.  This material has the optimal hydrophobicity for stem cell reproduction without causing differentiation of the stem cells.  Although this material is still in the preliminary design stages and is not currently able to promote growth of all stem cells, it is a very important step.  Once the material can be advanced to assist in all stem cell reproduction, the possibilities of tissue regeneration will be increased dramatically.