Scientists Discover New Bone Regrowth Material
Most broken bones heal naturally with a cast or brace, but severe fractures often require surgical implants. Now, Pennsylvania State University (PSU) researchers have developed CitraBoneQMg, a biodegradable scaffold designed to speed bone repair while minimising complications.
The implant combines magnesium and glutamine – nutrients found in the body and food – with citric acid. According to biomedical engineering doctoral student and first author, Hui Xu, the molecules work synergistically to boost intracellular energy metabolism, encouraging stem cells to transform into bone cells.
Unlike traditional scaffolds that merely fill space, CitraBoneQMg actively powers cellular processes, promoting stronger and faster regrowth.
In laboratory tests, the material outperformed existing options. After 12 weeks being implanted in rats with cranial defects, CitraBoneQMg increased bone growth by 56% compared to citric acid-only scaffolds, and by 185% compared to traditional implants.
Beyond bone repair, researchers also observed signs of nerve regeneration and reduced inflammation, both of which are key factors in long-term healing.
The implant’s advantages also extend to imaging. Its natural properties allow it to be tracked non-invasively via ultrasound, a feature not available in contemporary materials. Delivering magnesium and glutamine with citric acid directly at the injury site ensures high local concentrations, avoiding the inefficiency of oral supplements.
“The three molecules work as a healing recipe for bone,” said Su Yan, assistant research professor and co-author.
The PSU team has filed a US patent and published their results in several science journals, suggesting the scaffold could one day redefine treatment for complex fractures and open new paths in regenerative medicine.
