Nanotechnology and My Knees

Cartilage has a pesky habit of not regenerating. Once it is gone, it is gone. Once it starts to go, the rate of degeneration only increases.

So a hearty well done to Thomas Webster at Brown University for his breakthrough on regrowing cartilage. Enhanced chondrocyte densities on carbon nanotube composites: The combined role of nanosurface roughness and electrical stimulation.

A conductive film of highly dispersed carbon nanotubes (CNT) in polycarbonate urethane (PCU) were injected into the knee and then electrically stimulated to increase the growth of chondrocytes (cartilage cells). The CNT/PCU film has improved electrical conductivity to allow low voltage stimulation and the nanoscale roughness provides a hydrophilic surface that improves adhesion of the cartilage cells to the surface.

So Dr. Webster, thanks. And when you are ready to start testing on humans give me a call.

See also, Could Nanotechnology End Cartilage Loss?