A research team from CNU's Department of Convergence Biosystems Engineering, led by Professor Kim Jang-ho and along with Professor Seon Jong-geun (College of Medicine; Director of Bitgoeul CNU Hospital), has developed advanced regenerative nanomaterial source technology for the treatment of damaged knee cartilage. 

Degenerative cartilage diseases are common chronic conditions affecting over 65% of the population, and effective treatment methods are limited. Depending on the severity of the cartilage defect, patients may undergo microfracture surgery or cell therapy, but the success rates are still low.

The research conducted by CNU professors this time offers a novel approach, suggesting that using advanced regenerative nanomaterials could promote the recovery of damaged knee cartilage. The nanomaterials are made from biodegradable biomaterials and have a nanostructure that resembles the extracellular matrix of cartilage tissue, which can induce cartilage regeneration.

The research team performed preclinical tests using rabbits, in which they transplanted the advanced regenerative nanomaterials into damaged knee cartilage. The results showed not only the stimulation of cartilage regeneration but also a significantly higher expression of collagen II, a key marker for healthy cartilage.

When the nanomaterials were combined with stem cells, cartilage cell differentiation, growth factor secretion, and extracellular matrix formation were all promoted, leading to regenerated cartilage with a structure and mechanical strength similar to that of normal cartilage.

The results of this study were conducted with the support of the pan-ministerial regenerative medical technology development project and the BK21 4th Stage IT-Bio Convergence System Agricultural Education Research Group. Currently, the technology is being transferred to NanoBioSystems Co., Ltd. and preparations are being made for clinical trials.