by In a recent scientific breakthrough, researchers have discovered that silk, a natural fiber known for its strength and flexibility, could potentially be used to help mend damaged heart tissue. According to a report published in the journal “Biomaterials,” the team of scientists from the University of Wisconsin-Madison has engineered a supercharged form of silk that can effectively deliver therapeutic agents directly to the heart.
The researchers created this supercharged silk by infusing it with microscopic particles called Nanoparticles. These nanoparticles are capable of carrying drugs or other therapeutic agents to specific areas of the body. In this case, the team focused on using the silk to deliver a protein called VEGF, which is known to promote the growth of new blood vessels.
Heart attacks occur when the blood supply to a part of the heart is blocked, leading to the death of heart tissue. The damage caused by a heart attack can result in scarring and weakened heart function. The researchers believe that by using supercharged silk to deliver VEGF to the damaged area, they could help stimulate the growth of new blood vessels and improve heart function.
The team conducted experiments on rats with heart damage and found that those treated with the supercharged silk experienced a significant improvement in heart function compared to those not treated with the silk. The researchers are hopeful that this discovery could lead to new and more effective treatments for heart attacks in humans.
In summary, a team of scientists from the University of Wisconsin-Madison has engineered a supercharged form of silk that can effectively deliver therapeutic agents directly to the heart. By infusing the silk with nanoparticles and using it to deliver the protein VEGF, the researchers were able to improve heart function in rats with heart damage. This discovery could potentially lead to new and more effective treatments for heart attacks in humans.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
Money Singh is a seasoned content writer with over four years of experience in the market research sector. Her expertise spans various industries, including food and beverages, biotechnology, chemical and materials, defense and aerospace, consumer goods, etc.
