A team of researchers at the University of Massachusetts discovered that eggshell particles mixed with a hydrogel could be used to improve bone and tendon regeneration on different wounds.
Calcium carbonates are our friends for life
Every day, science gives us great secrets hidden in tiny little things, as evidenced by this surprising discovery of the University of Massachusetts. Students and researchers are interested in eggshells, which are composed mainly of calcium carbonate, a chemical compound that is highly valued by bone cells that consume it to grow.
By mixing the calcium carbonate with a hydrogel, the team was able to administer a large dose of this substance to bone cells and discovered a much faster growth of these cells. This new, unprecedented technique would, therefore, accelerate bone repair on fractures or wounds, but would also give the body a little boost to regenerate cartilage, teeth or tendons.
One ingredient, several recipes
This is the first time eggshell particles have been used in a hydrogel to repair bones the results are very encouraging, they have filed a patent for this technique and considering developing this process for other applications. Several additional observations have shown that this technique could indeed be applied to more areas.
The hydrogel could thus be mixed upstream with the patient's bone cells, the mixture creating a personalized solution that the immune system would recognize and not reject. Particle shells may one day be used as a carrier to transport proteins, peptides, and other nutrients and drugs in the care setting.