Eggshell Nanospikes May Enhance Ligament Repair
Scientists have investigated the formation of the hard outer shell of a chicken egg, which is firmly attached to a soft inner membrane. They believe that the findings from this study could enhance reconstructive surgeries, such as ligament repair, where surgeons need to integrate both soft and hard materials.
Bird eggshells are remarkable structures, with a complete and well-organized calcified form formed in just 20 hours from a cluster of organic fibers. While the hard shell provides protection, it is connected to a moist, fibrous membrane inside the egg that adds to its resilience. This inner membrane is visible when peeling the shell from a hard-boiled egg.
Investigating Eggshell-Membrane Attachment for Enhanced Surgical Procedures
Researchers from McGill University in Canada have utilized advanced imaging techniques to explore how the soft egg membrane attaches to the hard shell, with the aim of applying this knowledge to enhance surgical reconstructive procedures requiring the bonding of soft, moist fibers to rigid materials.
According to Marc McKee, the lead author of the study, “Until now, no one had considered how this interface between these two very dissimilar substances, one a hard biorock, and the other a soft fibrous membrane, might be secured at the nanoscale. What we found about this soft-hard interface is quite remarkable.”
Individuals, particularly athletes, who undergo surgery to repair torn ligaments, such as the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), often require further surgeries due to failed reattachment. Surgeons encounter significant challenges when attempting to fasten soft tissues to hard structures.
Investigation Reveals Mineral Nanospikes in Eggshell-Membrane Interface
Through their examination of chicken eggs, the researchers discovered that during a stage in egg development prior to laying, the shell extends mineral nanospikes into the compliant surface fibers of the underlying membrane encompassing the egg’s contents, whether it’s egg white and yolk or a developing chick embryo.
These nanospikes originating from the shell significantly increase the interface’s surface area between the materials, effectively anchoring and securing the soft to the hard components to prevent fiber slippage and sliding within the shell. This mechanism serves as a protective measure, as detachment of the membrane can be detrimental to the developing embryo, weaken the shell, or allow pathogens to enter the egg.
The researchers are optimistic that their newfound comprehension of the interface between the eggshell and membrane could pave the way for the development of novel engineered composite materials that integrate the mineral nanospike structure. Furthermore, they anticipate the implementation of innovative procedures aimed at enhancing the results of medical and dental reconstructive surgeries.
Read the original article on: New Atlas
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