3D simulator aids growth of bone tissue

The Nation

Researchers at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) have used the new reactor to grow bone tissue from a patient's stem cells. The 3D simulator determines the optimal conditions for the stem cells' differentiation into bone cells. The goal here is to achieve top tissue quality in the shortest possible time.

Until now, surgeons have had two methods at their disposal for providing additional bone material to patients who require it following serious injuries or cancer-related surgery.

The first method is to use specially prepared bone from a donor - which is not the best material and also carries the risk of infection for the recipient. The second technique involves removing bone material from the patient and grafting it later on, which means an additional operation.

The goal of the RCSI specialists is to use results obtained with the simulator to accelerate the growth of actual bone tissue. Clinical tests will begin next year.