Artificial bone construction

2002/09/09 Orobengoa, Olatz - Elhuyar Zientziaren Komunikazioa

• Anatomia/Fisiologia

Bone is a very complex tissue that involves many types of cells. Inside the fabric there are very different parts and each of them has its characteristics. In addition to the calcified tissue that forms the bone, the bone pulp inside and all blood vessels that cross the entire rigid structure must be taken into account. In our body the bone grows from the so-called growth plate. It is an area located at the end of the bones, from where the new tissue arises. In this area the cells have a very fixed structure. On one side of the plaque are cells called chondrocytes, which produce cartilage. On the other side are the cells that harden the cartilage and produce the bone, the osteoblasts. And all this surrounded and fed by thousands of small blood vessels.

Scientists mimicked the process the body uses to produce bone tissue. The chondrocytes of sheep and the osteoblasts of the rats joined together and, together with a breeding signal, were introduced into the back of the rats. They saw that the cells were able to organize themselves and create a culture plate. A new bone was formed from the plaque and the blood vessels of the rat surrounded the plaque.

Despite the fact that the experience has been a success, they have only just begun with research. Now, scientists aim to control the activity and organization of cells and tissues. If achieved, the crop plate would be able to deposit it into the animals and create a new bone.