Poly-L-lactide nanosheets could replace surgical stitches

Posted on 2009-08-17 23:29:55 in Aesthetic Medicine | Longevity and Age Management | Regenerative Medicine | Skin-Hair |

Poly-L-lactide has been used previously as degradable stitches and in drug delivery. Now researchers at Tokyo's Waseda University have used the biodegradable material to develop nanosheets for suture treatment.

The study team applied the sheets to incisions made in mice stomachs. The wound healed without scarring or tissue adhesion.

Findings were published in the journal Advanced Materials. Shinji Takeoka, professor in the Department of Life Science and Medical Bioscience at Waseda University said, "This approach would constitute an ideal candidate for an alternative to conventional suture/ligation procedures, from the perspective not only of a minimally invasive surgical technique but also reduction of operation times,"

The nanosheets (only about 20 nanometers in thickness) could be used for general wound dressing, but may be particularly useful in plastic surgery, endoscopic surgery, and regenerative medicine. Clinical trials could still be several years away.

News link: http://www.plasticsurgerypractice.com/eReport/2009-08-17_05.asp


Health Headlines

Gut Bacteria May Promote Weight Gain
In a lab animal model, booming gut flora spawned by the Western diet is linked to obesity.
Reduce Income Inequalities to Save Millions of Lives and Improve Quality of Life
International study reaffirms importance of resolving the income gap between the richest and poorest people in developed countries.
Chocolate May Slash Stress
Switzerland-based research team assesses the metabolic effects of dark chocolate consumption on energy, gut microbiota, and stress hormones.
Among Youngest Older Americans, Disability on the Rise
UCLA researchers find disability rates in Americans entering their 60s are on the rise, potentially fueled by the overweight/obesity epidemic.
Living to 100 Linked to Variant of Telomere Enzyme
Genetic clues to longevity discovered among a homogenous ethnic population.
Keep Muscles Strong to Slash Risk of Cognitive Decline
Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center (USA) researchers find that a loss of muscle strength raises risk of Alzheimer’s Disease and mild cognitive impairment.
Cumulative Exposure to Common Infections May Raise Risk of Stroke
Stroke risk may rise in those with common infectious pathogens such as Chlamydia pneumoniae, Helicobacter pylori, and herpes simplex viruses.
Chemical Present in Plastic Bottles, Canned Products Linked to Male Reproductive Problems
First study in humans links bisphenol A (BPA) exposure to male sexual function problems.
Promote Walking to Encourage Healthy Habits
Simple steps in the community can promote walking among residents.
Poor Leadership at Work Can Make Employees Sick
Study finds that people who are dissatisfied with their workplace bosses not only take more sick leave, but are at increased risk of suffering a heart attack.
Looking for an Anti-aging Doctor?

upcoming Events

U.S. Events
congresses
Las Vegas
fellowships
fellowships
symposium
workshops
  • Advanced Hormone Symposium
    Chicago, IL | Oct. 8-10, 2010

VIDEO: Brain Age Workshop
Dr. Eric Braverman, Director of The Place for Achieving Total Health (PATH Medical), Chairs the Brain Age Workshop taking place Dec. 9, 2009. Held in conjunction with the Winter Session of the 17th Annual World Congress on Anti-Aging Medicine & Regenerative Biomedical Technologies. The Brain Age Workshop features presentations on Brain Mind Assessment via Neuropsychological Analysis, Movement Deficiency Syndrome, Hormones and the Brain, Nootropic Drug Mechanisms, and Traumatic Brain Injury. View this video to learn about Dr. Braverman’s brain-based model of aging and age modulation.

International Events
See all events »