Researchers at the University of California San Diego has developed a new biomaterial that can be injected intravenously, reduces inflammation in tissue and promotes cell and tissue repair.
- The biomaterial was tested and proven effective in treating tissue damage caused by heart attacks in both rodent and large animal models.
- There is no established treatment for repairing the resulting damage to cardiac tissue after the heart attack.
- After a heart attack, scar tissue develops, which diminishes muscle function and can lead to congestive heart failure.
What are Biomaterials?
- Biomaterials are those materials — be it natural or synthetic, alive or lifeless, and usually made of multiple components — that interact with biological systems.
- Biomaterials are used in medical applications to support, enhance, or replace damaged tissue or a biological function.
- The first historical use of biomaterials dates to antiquity, when ancient Egyptians used sutures made from animal sinew.
- Metals, ceramics, plastic, glass, and even living cells and tissue all can be used in creating a biomaterial.
- Biomaterials used in current medical practices includes; Medical implants, Methods to promote healing of human tissues, Regenerated human tissues, Molecular probes and nanoparticles, Biosensors and Drug-delivery systems.
