Sunday, June 22, 2008

Molecules that sef-assemble into nanofiber scaffolding for nerve growth

Just inject into spinal cord of paralyzed mouse, et voila, function restored:

The new material is different because the researchers can inject it as a liquid directly into the spinal cord. Negatively charged molecules in the liquid start clumping together when they come in contact with positively charged particles such as calcium and sodium ions in the body. The molecules self-assemble into hollow, cylindrical nanofibers, which form a scaffold that can trap cells. On the surface of the nanofibers are biological molecules that inhibit scars and encourage nerve fibers to grow.

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