Goo-like biomaterial helps cartilage regenerate in joints

Resembling a rubbery goo, the material provides a chemical and physical framework for natural regrowth of cartilage, a crucial element in our joints that does not heal by itself. The Northwestern team tested the new material in the leg joints of sheep, which are similar to human knee joints. Within six months, evidence of enhanced repair was observed, including the growth of new cartilage containing the natural biopolymers that provide mechanical resilience in joints. The work will be published this week in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

“Cartilage is a critical component in our joints,” said Northwestern’s Prof Samuel Stupp, who led the study.

“When cartilage becomes damaged or breaks down over time, it can have a great impact on people’s overall health and mobility. The problem is that, in adult humans, cartilage does not have an inherent ability to heal. Our new therapy can induce repair in a tissue that does not naturally regenerate. We think our treatment could help address a serious, unmet clinical need.”