Researchers at Troy, N.Y.-based Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute designed a biomaterial that could provide targeted treatment to injured spinal cords and tissue to prevent additional damage, reports Sci Tech Daily.
Four insights:
1. Researchers polymerized estrogen into a slow-releasing biomaterial to protect nervous system cells and promote regeneration.
2. The polymer targeted injured tissue and emitted estrogen as a therapeutic over a period of years when implanted on the spinal cord.
3. The researchers used a photo-triggered chemical process to synthesize the estrogen into polymer chains that were spun into fibers for spinal cord implantation.
4. Researchers are eyeing preclinical testing, where they can explore how their polymerized fibers would work in a living system.