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.