Injectable Hydrogel Promotes Better Healing

Jan-25-15 A new injectable hydrogel from Rice University could help internal wounds heal by giving the new tissue some added support fed by artificial blood vessels.

The gel is made up of a self-assembling synthetic peptide that can be injected into the injury site to create tiny scaffolds for the new tissue. In order to ensure oxygen and nutrients are transported efficiently to the growing tissue, the peptides incorporate a mimic of a vascular endothelial growth factor, which promotes the development of blood vessels. As the natural tissue takes over, the hydrogel will slowly degrade.

According to the team, the material performed "extraordinarily well" in lab tests and simulations.

More Info about this Invention:

[MEDGADGET.COM]
[NEWS.RICE.EDU]

---