Chemists from Tomsk State University (TSU), in collaboration with Iranian colleagues, have created a new biomaterial for treating complex cases of osteoporosis. The development is a multi-layered structure that not only replaces damaged areas of bone but also gradually releases medication, preventing further tissue destruction. The project is supported by a grant from the Russian Science Foundation (RSF).
The main component is zoledronic acid, which is effective for osteoporosis but toxic in high doses. To avoid side effects, scientists used cucurbituril supramolecules—unique "containers" that hold the acid and release it gradually. These molecules are applied to bioglass, which acts as an accumulator, and then placed on a polymer scaffold (frame) printed on a 3D printer.
The main active ingredient in our case is zoledronic acid. Like all acids, it is toxic in high concentrations. Our goal is, firstly, to deliver it to the right place, and secondly, to ensure that it is released gradually and in the dose that will not harm the body but will inhibit the further development of osteoporosis. For this, we use a biological container – cucurbituril supramolecules, which were previously obtained at the Department of Natural Compounds of Pharmaceutical and Medical Chemistry of the TSU Faculty of Chemistry.
The final stage is the creation of an implant that not only fills the bone defect but also stimulates the growth of new cells (osteoblasts). Testing on cell cultures helps optimize the properties of the material. The project is scheduled to run until 2026, and its results may open up new opportunities in regenerative medicine.
Read more related materials:
AI diagnoses the cause of a heart attack in 400 ms: a novelty in the analysis of OCT images
New hypoallergenic coating from BelSU researchers may help with complications of gallstone disease
Now on home
The government has included passenger and cargo airships among the key transport technologies of the future
Moscow sent 43 containers of weapons, including ATGMs and sniper rifles
There is a need to increase air traffic within Russia and abroad
Lada Niva Travel with a new 1.8-liter engine tested at temperatures of -25 and -30 °C
Производить первую энергию планировали ещё в апреле 2025 года
Retail is in second place, and education and medicine are in third place
The basic version of the system is capable of hitting targets at a range of up to 300 km
Security forces challenged the legality of yachting entertainment
JBI shelters built for aircraft
Attackers offer to participate in a gift drawing
The new VPR machine services 3300 sleepers per hour and requires only three operators
The drones have been re-flashed and have shown reliability in testing