Simple polymer could unlock more effective bone regeneration treatments

A new technique developed by biomedical engineers could help to unlock the full potential of a promising treatment for bone regeneration, creating better therapies for spinal injuries, bone grafts and other orthopaedic surgeries. In a new paper published today (Saturday 27 August) in the journal Science Advances , scientists from the University of Glasgow discuss how they have used a cheap, commercially-produced polymer to help stimulate 'growth factors' - molecules which help the body to regenerate. Profs Salmeron-Sanchez and Dalby discuss their research Growth factors play an important role in developmental biology, orchestrating development as bodies grow and age. A growth factor molecule known as bone morphogenetic protein 2, or BMP-2, has already been used for several years in clinical applications to help encourage bone regrowth in patients. However, wider adoption of BMP-2 techniques has been limited by the human body's tendency to pass the protein quickly through its system. To get around it, clinicians need to use BMP-2 in large doses, which can cause harmful side effects such as neurological impairment or even tumours. The new technique, developed by researchers from the University's Institute of Molecular Cell and Systems Biology and School of Engineering, uses a unique property of the polymer poly(ethyl acrylate) to allow growth factors to be effective at doses around 300 times lower than currently possible.