Technology Overview
This technology is a method to enhance mineralization in bone cells using nanomaterials. Bone mineralization is a complex process involving several different cell types, including osteoblasts, and results in the hardening of bones by incorporation of minerals such as calcium.
Studies of this method used various nanomaterials to stimulate mineralization in an invitro osteoblast cell line model derived from mice. These nanomaterials were demonstrated to stimulate extracellular matrix formation and mineralization via a variety of measures, including increase in bone alkaline phosphatase enzyme and various biochemical and spectroscopic measures of mineralization.
Potential Benefits
- Facilitates bone hardening – Stimulates osteoblasts to incorporate minerals into bone, a necessary step for hardening of bony structures in the body
- Versatile – A variety of different nanostructures could be used to stimulate bone growth
- Targeted – Nanostructures can be specifically targeted to osteoblasts by combining nanostructures with antibodies specific for structures present on surface of osteoblasts
- Non-invasive – No surgical intervention required with targeting
Potential Applications
This technology may have application for several areas related to bone health, including:
- Osteoporosis
- Bone death
- Resorption
Keywords: bone mineralization, bone repair, bone resorption, nanoparticles, osteoporosis
Inventors: Alexandru S. Biris, Meena Mahmood, Daniel Casciano
