Scientists for the first time grow living bone in lab

Scientists for the first time grow living bone in lab

Scientists for the first time in modern medical history have grown a living bone in the lab to repair large defects in the head and face of patient.
This medical breakthrough was achieved by a new technique developed by Gordana Vunjak-Novakovic, professor at Columbia University.
Key Facts

  • The new technique uses autologous stem cells derived from a small sample of the recipient’s fat and precisely replicates the original anatomical structure of the bone.
  • Using it, scientists were able to show that in a clinical-size porcine model of jaw repair, the bone grown in vitro and then implanted can regenerate a large defect and also mechanical function.
  • The quality of the regenerated tissue, including vascularisation with blood perfusion, exceeds what has been achieved using other approaches.
  • Significance of this discovery: It is step forward in improving regenerative medicine options and treatments for patients suffering with craniofacial defects.
  • It also open path for new scientific research where researchers can use cartilage layer in the bio-engineered living bone tissue to study bone regeneration in complex defects of the head and face.
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