Novel
composite nanofibers open next chapter in orthopaedic biomaterials
(Nanowerk
News) Bioengineered replacements for tendons, ligaments, the meniscus of the
knee, and other tissues require re-creation of the exquisite architecture of
these tissues in three dimensions. These fibrous, collagen-based tissues
located throughout the body have an ordered structure that gives them their
robust ability to bear extreme mechanical loading.
Many labs
have been designing treatments for ACL and meniscus tears of the knee, rotator
cuff injuries, and Achilles tendon ruptures for patients ranging from the
weekend warrior to the elite Olympian. One popular approach has involved the
use of scaffolds made from nano-sized fibers, which can guide tissue to grow in
an organized way. Unfortunately, the fibers' widespread application in
orthopaedics has been slowed because cells do not readily colonize the
scaffolds if fibers are too tightly packed.