Nanotechnology provides a new generation of orthopedic, dental and vascular prostheses
The future technology of "the man worth millions" (from the TV series whose hero was Steve Austin) - especially in the context of a metallic part and a human part - will no longer be exclusive to Hollywood. While the main character in the series, Steve Austin, was equipped with metals to increase her performance, an interdisciplinary team of scientists from the University of Montreal developed a method to create new metal surfaces that holds the promise of more effective medical implants that will improve recovery and allow the human body to be much more tolerant of prostheses.
According to a new study published in the scientific journal Nano Letters, scientists have taken advantage of new advances in nanotechnology to alter the effects of metals on the growth and development of cells in the body. An important aspect of the findings is that the surfaces themselves are able to act directly on the cells - thus eliminating the need for drugs and preventing the side effects as a result of taking them.
The research is a collaboration between researchers from the Université de Montréal, McGill University, the Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique, Plasmionique Inc and the Universidade de São Paulo.
"Using chemical modifications, we created metals with 'smart' surfaces that positively react with cells and help control the biological healing response," says Antonio Nanci, lead author of the paper and professor in the Department of Dentistry at the University of Montreal. "These metals will be the building blocks of improved and new metal implants that are expected to significantly affect the success of orthopedic, dental and vascular prostheses.
Etching produces porous nanosurfaces
Dr. Nancy and his colleagues used chemical compounds to modify the surface of common biomedical metals such as titanium. Exposing these metals to etching mixtures of acids and oxidants resulted in obtaining surfaces with a sponge-like pattern of nanopores. "We were able to demonstrate that certain cells adhere better to these surfaces than to typical slippery surfaces," says the lead researcher. "Already this is a significant improvement over standard common biomaterials."
Next, the researchers examined the effects of these nanoporous titanium surfaces on cell development and growth. They demonstrated that these treated surfaces increased the growth of bone cells, reduced the growth of unwanted cells and stimulated stem cells, compared to untreated smooth surfaces. In addition, the expression of the genes necessary for adhesion and cell growth was increased following the contact with these nanoporous surfaces.
Different engravings have different effects
Uncontrolled growth of cells on a graft is not desired. For example, when using stents for blood vessels in the heart (a stent, a template that is used medically to hold a skin graft in place during healing or a thin tube that is inserted into a body or tubular structure such as a vein or artery in order to keep it open or to remove a blockage), it is extremely important to limit their growth of certain cells in order to prevent interference with free blood flow. In addition, in some cases, cells may produce unwanted bodies around dental implants that may cause them to fall. The scientists demonstrated that treatment with certain etching compounds reduces the growth of unwanted types of cells.
"An important aspect of this research is the demonstration of the selective effects of engraving on cells," notes the lead researcher. "Through slight changes in the chemical composition of the etching mixtures, we are able to change the nanopattern that forms on the metal surface and control the cellular reaction as a result."
"Our research is groundbreaking," adds the researcher. "We used a simple, yet very effective chemical treatment to change the metals commonly used in the medical treatment room. This innovative approach may embody within it the basis for the development of "smart" materials that are not only tolerable for the human body but are capable of actively responding to the biological environment in which they are found."
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Some critical scientific inaccuracies in the article:
First, and most importantly, the implants were attached to Steve due to an accident he had as an operative. The improvement in his performance was a byproduct.
Second, and the most trivial of all, we are not talking about metals, although they are bionic additives made of secret materials developed by the OSI technological espionage agency.
It should be noted that 6 million dollars in 74 (which is about 30 million in discount terms of Dumas money) is a tiny amount compared to the results and it will take a long time for real science to catch up with the story farted in this masterpiece series.
It was a brilliant series
But with all due respect it still looks like the movies will be left behind at least as much
Flash Gordon.
I grew up on the series,
An interesting article will allow a better future for the rehabilitation of the disabled in the future.