News • Treatment for muscle loss injuries

Researchers make bacteria produce tissue-healing hydrogel

A research team at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU), led by Alireza Dolatshahi-Pirouz, has recently uncovered new ground in tissue engineering and cell therapy by harnessing the healing power of bacteria.

3d illustration of a man standing amidst various giant bacteria
Researchers from DTU have developed a new biopolymer for muscle tissue regeneration. They have harnessed the native bioproduction facilities in bacteria to synthesize a durable, resilient, and elastic hydrogel that may foster better therapies against traumatic muscle injuries.

Image credit: DTU

The group harnessed the native bioproduction facilities in bacteria to synthesize a new biopolymer with tissue-healing properties. They used this polymer to manufacture a durable, resilient, and elastic hydrogel for muscle tissue regeneration. The study is published in the journal Bioactive Materials and details a new biopolymer - Pantoan Methacrylate, PAMA for short - with muscle regeneration properties derived from bacteria. 

They have implemented this new hydrogel – or "bactogel" - to treat muscle injuries in rats with promising results. The in vivo study showed a significant increase in muscle tissue formation and reduced fibrous tissue. With nearly 100% mechanical recovery, good biocompatibility, and healing capacity, the PAMA bactogel presents a new path in the field. "This combination of feats is rarely encountered in the field, as most bioactive hydrogels display subpar mechanical properties that do not fit the mechanically demanding milieu of musculoskeletal tissues, such as muscles, says Associate Professor Alireza Dolatshahi-Pirouz from DTU Health Tech. "I believe that our new results could foster better therapies against musculoskeletal injuries in athletes, the elderly, as well as in wounded soldiers or others involved in accidents giving rise to traumatic muscle injuries."

Graphical abstract showing the structure of bacteria-derived hydrogels on tissue healing
Graphical abstract of the biopolymer research

Image source: Niknezhad SV et al., Bioactive Materials 2024 (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0)

With PAMA, the team has shown that they can achieve tissue regeneration in rats without using cells, and they expect much better healing by combining their bactogels with either muscle progenitor cells or stem cells. "I imagine a future where bacteria-derived polymers or put simply "bactomers" revolutionize the field of regenerative medicine. A future where bacteria in so-called regenerative bacto-baths secrete regenerative bactomers on demand to heal injured tissues in patients," says Alireza Dolatshahi-Pirouz. 


Source: Technical University of Denmark

21.08.2024

Related articles

Photo

News • New way to heal burns and wounds

3D printing live cells into a skin transplant

A novel approach to bioprinting may lead to new ways to treat skin burns and severe wounds. With this, the researchers aim to create new skin that does not become scar tissue but a functioning dermis.

Photo

News • Review explores bacterial impact

Vaginal microbiome holds untapped potential for women's health

The vaginal microbiome is a largely overlooked area of medicine that could dramatically improve outcomes for common infections, infertility and even cancer for millions of women, a new review finds.

Photo

News • Enhanced imaging and surgical guidance

Fluorescent bacteria light up tumors like a neon sign

A new, bacteria-based contrast agent illuminates tumors like a neon sign during surgery, enabling more precise resection and reducing the risk of recurrence.

Related products

Subscribe to Newsletter