A Game-Changer in Knee Reconstruction: Biodegradable Ligament
Dr. Nguyen Ngoc Tuan, a 34-year-old researcher at École Normale Supérieure (ENS-PSL) in Paris, France, has made significant strides in the field of tissue engineering. Working with a team of researchers, Dr. Tuan has successfully developed a biodegradable artificial ligament that can promote tissue regeneration.
This groundbreaking research builds on Dr. Tuan's previous work at Sorbonne Paris Nord University, where he initiated a project focused on developing biodegradable artificial ligaments in 2017.
"Many tissues and organs in the body are difficult or impossible to heal when injured or lost. Therefore, regenerating these damaged tissues has become a fascinating issue for scientists," Dr. Tuan shared with reporters.
A Biodegradable Solution for Knee Ligament Injuries
The biodegradable artificial ligament is crafted from biopolymer fibers (polycaprolactone and previously Polyethylene terephthalate) that effectively promote the regeneration of severed ligament tissue. This material serves as a temporary replacement for damaged ligaments, stabilizing the knee joint and providing a scaffold for the growth of new ligament tissue.
The biopolymer fibers of the artificial ligament have demonstrated bioactivity in vitro, promoting cell adhesion and cluster formation after 10 days of incubation with fibroblast cells.
The remarkable feature of this material is its slow biodegradation within the body without cellular toxicity. This eliminates the need for surgical removal and provides a valuable solution for individuals suffering from knee injuries, particularly common among athletes, manual laborers, and those with incorrect movement patterns.
A Potential Breakthrough in Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine
This innovative solution promises faster recovery, fewer risks, improved efficacy, and reduced costs compared to traditional surgical grafting methods. The research has been lauded as a "breakthrough in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine" and has been published in prestigious international journals including Polymer Degradation and Stability (2020-2021, Elsevier), Scientific Reports (2021, Springer-Nature), and Biointerphases (2020, American Institute of Physics).
Overcoming Challenges: A Symphony of Scientific Expertise
Dr. Tuan highlights the significant challenges associated with ensuring the material's biocompatibility and mechanical properties. The biopolymer fibers must withstand tensile, torsional, and weight loads exerted on the knee joint to maintain joint stability. Additionally, the material needs to facilitate cell adhesion and promote the development of target tissues.
To overcome these obstacles, the team has implemented a novel surface activation strategy. They have coated the fibers with polystyrene sulfonate molecules, known for their bioactivity with cells, using strong chemical bonds. The team leverages ozonation techniques to ensure complete surface coverage of the 3D polymer fiber bundles.
The entire process is subject to stringent medical scrutiny before in vitro testing and implantation in animal models, including mice, sheep, and eventually, humans.
Production Scalability: A Vital Next Step
Dr. Tuan underscores the importance of production scalability, emphasizing the need for stable functional materials that pass rigorous testing by regulatory bodies like the FDA (US) and CE (Europe).
A Collaborative Effort: Addressing a Critical Need
Professor Veronique, a member of the French Bioengineering Society and head of the research team at Sorbonne Paris Nord University, highlights the prevalence of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears, a common sports injury. Due to ACL's poor healing capacity, surgery is often required.
While autograft replacement is considered the "gold standard," over 50% of cases present risks of pain, bone necrosis at the attachment site, and prolonged recovery (6-12 months). Professor Veronique emphasizes that "the development of bioactive and biodegradable artificial ligaments is a necessary step to address these issues."
A Promising Future for Regenerative Medicine
This cutting-edge technology is currently being used by Texinov and Movmedix for production and clinical trials in Europe and the United States. "The market for artificial ligaments that mimic natural ligaments, made from biocompatible materials, operate in vivo without causing systemic reactions in the body. Implanting artificial ligaments is a very specialized technique, recommended for athletes and patients requiring high performance," states Dr. Julien Steinbrunn, Director of Research and Development at Movmedix.
A Remarkable Journey from Chemical Engineering to Regenerative Medicine
Dr. Tuan's journey into regenerative medicine is an inspiring story. His early interest in polymers stemmed from his time as a chemical engineering student at Bà Rịa University in Vũng Tà u. Supported by his department head, Dr. Nguyen Van Thong, he received a university research grant, marking a pivotal moment that shaped his future.
In 2017, he was awarded a PhD scholarship in biomaterials for anterior cruciate ligament regeneration under the guidance of Professor Veronique Migonney at Sorbonne Paris Nord University. This research was part of the LIGA2BIO project, funded by the Future Investment Program (PIA) from BPIfrance, in collaboration with biotechnology companies. After graduating, Dr. Tuan joined the research and development department of CERAVER, a biotechnology company specializing in implants, before pursuing postdoctoral research at École Normale Supérieure, focusing on biomaterials and cell biology.
Dr. Tuan currently collaborates with research teams at Compiègne University of Technology (France) and Saarland University (Germany) on the development of gene transfer and gene guidance using scaffolds for bone, cartilage, and ligament regeneration.
"We are aiming to address the limitations of biomaterials for regenerating tissues and organs that are difficult or impossible to restore and to train scientific personnel in this field," Dr. Tuan states.
A Vision for the Future: Collaboration and Innovation
Dr. Tuan recognizes Vietnam's robust research groups and biomaterial technology companies contributing to this field. He emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration among chemists, mechanicians, biologists, and medical professionals. He also highlights the vital role of close partnerships between research teams and manufacturing companies.
"I'm constantly seeking opportunities to collaborate and work with research groups in tissue engineering in Vietnam," Dr. Tuan concludes.
Summary
Dr. Nguyen Ngoc Tuan, a Vietnamese researcher based in France, has developed a biodegradable artificial ligament made from biopolymer fibers that promotes the regeneration of severed ligament tissue. This innovative solution offers a less invasive and more effective alternative to traditional surgical grafting methods, addressing the critical need for effective knee ligament injury treatment. Dr. Tuan's research demonstrates a significant breakthrough in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, with potential to improve the lives of athletes and individuals suffering from knee injuries. His vision for collaborative research and the development of innovative biomaterials holds immense promise for the future of regenerative medicine.