A new type of glass is able to dissolve and release calcium into the body

British scientists are developing a new type of glass capable of dissolving and releasing calcium into the body. This development will allow patients to regrow their bones and could also mark the end of the era of bone grafting

British scientists are developing a new type of glass capable of dissolving and releasing calcium into the body. This development will allow patients to regrow their bones and could also mark the end of the era of bone grafting.

The porous glass, originally developed at Imperial College, is able to serve as an active template for bone regrowth and dissolves in the body without leaving any traces of it or breaking down into other toxic substances. From the moment it dissolves in the body, it releases calcium and other elements such as silicon (silicon) into the connective fluids of the body, thus encouraging the growth of bones. The glass activates genes found in human bone cells that encode proteins used to control the bone cell cycle and its differentiation to create a bone surface and rapid mineralization of the bone ligaments (nodules).

The release of calcium and nitrogen ions in certain concentrations is what activates the desired genes. Gene activation occurs only when the timed sequence of the cell cycle matches the reactions with the glass surface and the controlled release of the ions from it into the cell. Researchers from the Universities of Kent and Warwick conducted experiments with the devices available at the ISIS Institute. The study demonstrates precisely how the calcium will be stored in the glass and hence how it is released into the body. Professor Bob Newport from the University of Kent explains that the exact mode of action of the substance became clear when it was tested at this institute.

"Although biologically active substances similar to it already exist in medical use, and the role of calcium in these substances has already been understood as essential both for the stability of the glass and for its biological activity, no quantitative and direct research has yet been conducted to examine the arrangement of the calcium atoms in the glass pattern. We used the facilities of ISIS to examine the relationship between these atoms and the "host" silicate glass using the unique methods for neutron diffraction and thus we were able to advance our research. The significant result of our experiments was the complete understanding, at the level of atomic arrangement, of how the calcium ions are able to be released so easily from the glass at the rate necessary to obtain the desired reaction."

By comparing samples of natural calcium and isotopic calcium, it will be possible for the first time to isolate the total array and gently examine the behavior of the calcium ions separately from the other atoms present in the system. Dr. Andrew Taylor, the director of the bypass device, points out: "In order to allow people to remain active and contribute to society for a longer period of time, the need for new materials to replace and repair worn or damaged tissues is becoming more and more important. We are satisfied that in our institute we can continue to assist in original and important research that affects all of humanity." Additional research is expected to be conducted at the institute with the aim of testing glass/polymer hybrids and the possible development of stronger types of glass that can store the calcium ions and be used in medicine as joint replacements. If the comprehensive research goes as expected, it will be possible to start medical trials in the next five years.

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