Development of NanoKick Bioreactor

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Bone graft is the most transplanted tissue after blood. It is in short supply and demand is increasing with the aging population. Taking graft from a patient to transplant back to the patient is possible but results in morbidity of the donor site (normally the pelvis). We have developed a novel bioreactor, called Nanokick, which can be used to efficiently and effectively convert mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs - the bones natural stem cell supply) into osteoblasts (bone building cells). It works by supplying tiny kicks to cells. Our approach will provide technology that enables provision of 3D living bone derived from a patients own cells that produces effective repair. Areas this would be useful would include all bone reconstructions, spinal fusion and joint replacement. These in no need for chemicals and associated side effects (e.g. widely used bone morphogenic protein is now associated with adverse effects). In this work we will develop our technology towards a commercial product.