Nanobone Material Lets Body Regrow Bone Without External Growth Factors

Using the Body's Own Signals

Researchers at the University of Sydney and University of Queensland have developed a biodegradable nanomaterial called "nanobone" that enables the human body to regrow bone using its own healing powers.

The calcium-aluminosilicate nanomaterial activates latent Transforming Growth Factor beta1 (TGF-beta1), a naturally occurring growth factor already present in the body. Once activated, TGF-beta1 attracts bone-forming stem cells and encourages them to become bone-producing cells, eventually replacing the material with the body's own tissue.

In preclinical testing, the nanomaterial generated about 80% more new bone than a control material after eight weeks. It also triggered blood clotting within 30 seconds and activated bone repair growth factors at 10 times the level of conventional methods.

The research targets patients with cleft lip and palate, who often need jawbone graft surgery as children. Lead researcher Associate Professor Chun Xu said the material activates dormant repair signals at the right place and time, rather than relying on externally supplied growth factors.

The study was published in ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces.