A common ailment: knee problems. Could it be treated much better in a few years? (Northwestern University / imago images / Zoonar)
A simple injection and an open fracture is healed… That would be nice, but we’re not quite there yet with the Stimpack from Fallout. But what scientists in Illinois are currently working on is reminiscent of science fiction remedies. However, they’re not interested in fractures, but in an ailment that affects millions of people: knee problems.
Whether it’s due to old age, sports injuries or just bad luck – at some point the cartilage will weaken. Total joint replacement is often the last resort. But what if there was a solution that would allow the knee to heal again?
Die Researchers at Northwestern University led by Samuel I. Stupp have developed a new active ingredientwhich has produced astonishing results in sheep. The rubbery substance seems to simply cause damaged cartilage in the knee to grow back.
How does the cartilage remedy work?
The trick lies in nanotechnology: the researchers have developed an adhesive made of special molecules that wraps around the damaged area like a scaffold. This “cartilage blueprint” attracts the body’s own cells, which then build new, healthy tissue.
Here you can see the microstructure of the new bioactive material. (Image: Northwestern University | Stupp Group)
The cartilage glue consists of substances that our body already knows. A special protein acts as a growth factor, while a natural sugar, similar to that found in our joints, serves as a framework.
Within just six months, the scientists were able to observe a significant improvement in sheep. This even went so far that the regenerated cartilage was of better quality than conventional cartilage and was therefore more resistant to wear and tear. However, the researchers did not describe in detail how much better the sheep was able to move afterwards.
More Science at GameStar Tech: Star Trek: How realistic is transparent aluminum?
When can people benefit from it?
Of course, there is still a long way to go before it can be used in humans. Animal testing is one thing, but the approval of a new drug is quite another. And even if it works, the costs will probably be high. Nevertheless, the new development is a huge step forward. Perhaps we really are facing a future without artificial knee joints.
1:04:06
Fallout changed everything, and that’s a good thing
Imagine being able to play sports or simply climb stairs again without pain after a cruciate ligament tear or years of knee problems. The researchers are confident that their cartilage glue could make just that possible.
What do you think? Could this discovery really be a game-changer? Or are your expectations rather muted? Let us know your thoughts!
