A Piezoelectric Bone Bandage Speeds Up Fractured Bone Healing

Scientists have effectively rejuvenated impaired skull bones in mice through the development of an independent biomimetic scaffold. This innovative “bone bandage” incorporates a piezoelectric structure and leverages the growth-enhancing attributes of a naturally occurring mineral. The application of this technique extends to various possibilities in bone regeneration and the broader field of regenerative medicine.

Piezoelectric substances produce an electric charge when subjected to mechanical stress. Bone, being a piezoelectric material, features an electrical microenvironment that significantly influences the bone repair process, effectively stimulating bone regeneration. Nevertheless, the intricate process of bone regeneration depends on a combination of mechanical, electrical, and biological factors.

A Novel Approach Integrating Piezoelectricity and Natural Bone Mineral

Current methods for bone regeneration, such as grafts or scaffolds releasing growth factors, face limitations like complications at the donor site, restricted availability, and high expenses. Researchers at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) have introduced an innovative approach to bone regeneration, combining piezoelectricity with a naturally occurring bone mineral.

Hydroxyapatite (HAp), found in bones and teeth, contributes to bone’s structural strength and regeneration. Widely used in toothpaste for remineralizing enamel, HAp has been proven to enhance osteogenesis (bone formation) and act as a scaffold for new bone growth. With its piezoelectric properties and rough surface, HAp stands out as an ideal candidate for constructing scaffolds to facilitate bone growth.

The researchers crafted an independent biomimetic scaffold by incorporating Hydroxyapatite (HAp) into the piezoelectric framework of polyvinylidene fluoride-co-trifluoro ethylene (P(VDF-TrFE)), a polymer film. This stand-alone scaffold generates electrical signals under pressure, distinguishing it from prior research that combined HAp and P(VDF-TrFE) only as coatings on metallic prosthetics. The researchers assert that their innovative approach offers a versatile platform for bone regeneration that extends beyond surface-bound applications.

HAp-Promoted Cell Attachment, Proliferation, and Osteogenesis in Scaffold Comparisons

In vitro comparisons between scaffolds with and without HAp revealed a 10% to 15% increase in cell attachment on HAp scaffolds. After five days of cell culture, cell proliferation was 20% to 30% higher, and there were approximately 30% to 40% higher levels of osteogenesis on the HAp scaffolds. These findings indicate that HAp maximizes the piezoelectric properties of the scaffold, creating an environment akin to the body’s extracellular matrix. The extracellular matrix is the non-cellular component of all tissues, providing crucial physical structure and essential cues for tissue regeneration.

HAp/P(VDF-TrFE) Scaffold Durability and Enhanced Bone Regeneration in Mouse Model

The researchers proceeded to evaluate the effectiveness of their HAp/P(VDF-TrFE) scaffolds on mice by placing them over defects in the animals’ skull bones (calvaria). These scaffolds maintained their structural integrity for six weeks without any deformation. All mice survived the experiment, and no adverse events, including infection or inflammatory responses, were observed. Comparing the mice with HAp scaffolds to the control groups without bone formation, significant enhancement in bone regeneration was evident after two, four, and six weeks of implantation.

Seungbum Hong, one of the corresponding authors of the study, stated, “We have developed a HAp-based piezoelectric composite material that can act like a ‘bone bandage’ by accelerating bone regeneration. This research not only points towards a novel approach in designing biomaterials but is also significant in investigating the impacts of piezoelectricity and surface properties on bone regeneration.“

Read the original article on: New Atlas

Read more: FDA Approves the First Prescription Wearable for Low Bone Density