A new study from the Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology in South Korea has revealed a new method for using stem cells to repair injured bones.  The researchers combined a carbon material with bone marrow stem cells to greatly improve the speed of bone regeneration.

The findings could lead to faster regeneration of bone injuries and help people with degenerative bone diseases like osteoporosis.

The paper was authored by Professor Youngkyo Seo and Dr. Jitendra N. Tiwari of Chemistry in collaboration with Professor Kwang S. Kim, Professor Pann-Ghill Suh and several other researchers.

The research team used a material called carbon nitride in conjunction with stem cells.  Carbon nitride has photocatalytic properties that encourage stem cells to differentiate and proliferate.

The material affects stem cells by altering transcription factor 2 (Runx2), which plays a role in osteoblast (bone stem cells) differentiation.

Researchers have been trailing the use of mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) to improve the healing rate of bones for a many years.  They have also been integrating other materials to improve the rate that the stem cells regenerate bone, including nanotubes and nano-oxides.

In this most recent research project, the research team noticed that carbon nitride emits fluorescence after it has been exposed to light.  Because fluorescence can speed up bone regeneration, combining carbon nitride with bone stem cells became the obvious next step.

Source: New stem cell method could lead to powerful treatments for skeletal system injuries

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