An international team of scientists reports on the antibacterial and angiogenic properties of nanomaterials discovered at Louisiana Tech University. The material, discovered by Tech's Dr. Mark DeCoster's neuroscience lab, is copper high aspect ratio structures (CuHARS).
“In an era where innovation and collaboration meet, the discovery of the antimicrobial and angiogenic properties of CuHARS represents a major advance in medical research,” said Dr. Sumeet Dua, Executive Vice President of Research at Tech. “This nanomaterial not only promises to revolutionize tissue regeneration and wound healing, but also reflects our dedication to pioneering sustainable medical solutions.”
The material self-assembles at body temperature and is 100% biodegradable. In this new study, reported in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, ACS Omegaimportant new molecular details and potential health benefits of the materials will be revealed.
CuHARS has been shown to kill bacteria, and it has been shown that the same substance can promote the growth and migration of cells that make up blood vessels. The combination of these two properties has the potential to revolutionize tissue regeneration and wound healing by promoting blood vessel growth and reducing the risk of infection at the same time.
“In addition to building on these new successes, we are collaborating with the Stone Research Foundation of San Francisco to demonstrate that our material, CuHARS, can help promote healing and reduce arthritis in humans. “We're testing the idea that it might be possible,” DeCoster said. “We are currently seeking funding and building a funding strategy to support these innovative ideas.”
DeCoster's team also included a former engineering PhD student and Fulbright Scholar from Madrid, Spain, who spent eight months making the discovery.
“As we explore the potential of CuHARS to improve patient care, we remain focused on securing the support needed to make these breakthrough ideas a reality.” Dua he said. “This achievement offers hope for safer and more effective treatments and is a testament to our university's role in shaping the future of medicine.”
The new study, titled “Nanofibrous airgel embedded in a copper-cystine biohybrid exhibits antibacterial and angiogenic properties,” was co-authored by DeCoster of Louisiana Tech University, Spain, Harvard University, the University of Nebraska Medical Center, and Co-authored by other collaborators. Terasaki Institute in California.
