Ultrasound instead of reagents
A research team from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) has developed an innovative stem cell treatment using high-frequency sound waves, which is designed to help patients restore bone tissue lost as a result of cancer or degenerative diseases.
Graphic illustration of innovative stem cell treatment. The microchip on the left generates high-frequency sound waves (green) to manipulate stem cells, which are placed in silicone oil on a plate with a glass bottom.
The key problem in the restoration of bone tissue is the need for a large number of osteoblast bone cells that will function for a long time after implantation into the target area. To date, experiments on the transformation of adult stem cells into osteoblasts have used complex and expensive equipment with limited potential for scaling the process. In addition, in the few clinical studies devoted to bone augmentation, stem cells extracted from the patient's bone marrow were mainly used, and this is a painful procedure.
In a new study, the RMIT group showed that mesenchymal stem cells turn into osteoblasts under the influence of high-frequency (10 MHz) sound waves for 10 minutes daily for 5 days. The effectiveness of the method is confirmed by a significant increase in early (RUNX2, COL1A1) and a steady increase in late (osteocalcin, osteopontin) markers of osteogenesis.
It is important to note that the treatment was effective for several types of cells, including stem cells derived from adipose tissue, which are much less painful to take from the patient.
Adult stem cells in the process of transformation after treatment with 10 MHz sound waves. Collagen, which is produced during the transformation of stem cells into osteoblasts, is colored green.
The authors of the study reported that the new approach is faster and simpler than other methods: sound waves reduce by several days the time usually needed for stem cells to begin to turn into osteoblasts. High-frequency sound waves were generated on an inexpensive device developed by RMIT employees. The technology does not require any special inducing molecules.
A device for creating sound waves can be used to target stem cells in specific areas of the body in which it is necessary to start the regeneration process.
The next stage is planned to work on scaling the platform and developing bioreactors for effective differentiation of stem cells.
Article by L.A.Ambattu et al. Short-Duration High Frequency MegaHertz-Order Nanomechanostimulation Drives Early and Persistent Osteogenic Differentiation in Mesenchymal Stem Cells is published in the journal Small.
Aminat Adzhieva, portal "Eternal Youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru based on RMIT: Sonic advance: How sound waves could help regrow bones.