UANL designs bio-implant to treat knee injuries

After replacing the cartilage of an injured knee, UANL researchers aim to provide a better quality of life to patients through an affordable bio-implant using tissue and genetic engineering.

The Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon is developing a bio-implant of articular cartilage with natural components used to treat certain knee injuries in humans.

Since 2012, UANL researchers Nidia Moncada Saucedo, Ivan Alberto Marino Martinez, and Jorge Lara Arias have been working on an implant that combines cells from patients, as well as components and materials such as alginate (obtained from seaweed) for its later placement in the area of injury aiming for healing.

The bio-implant is the result of a need for the regeneration of articular cartilage and the aim is to propose a model that is affordable, made of inexpensive and functional materials through the combination of a series of components and the help of tissue and genetic engineering.

Experimental phase

Scientists at the Highest Academic Institution have pointed out that so far only experimental implants have been conducted in ovine animal models (specific sheep), obtaining good results in terms of the integration of the animal and the regeneration of cartilage.

Nonetheless, the idea is that in the future this articular cartilage bio-implant can be placed in humans.