WANA (August 10) – A team of Iranian researchers, in collaboration with international scientists, has developed a groundbreaking bioactive and flexible polysaccharide that could revolutionize tissue engineering.

 

This new material, named PAMA (Pantowan Methacrylate), was specifically designed to create a cross-linked hydrogel, mimicking the properties of natural muscle tissue.

 

In initial tests, the PAMA hydrogel was used to treat volumetric muscle loss (VML) in mice, showing an impressive 100% healing rate while closely replicating the stiffness of natural muscles.

 

By adding modified gelatin, the researchers successfully guided muscle precursor cells to align and fuse, resembling mature muscle fibers.

 

The hydrogel not only doubled muscle formation but also reduced fibrous tissue development by 50% compared to untreated mice.

 

The positive results in inflammation and toxicity tests further confirmed the biocompatibility of this innovative material, highlighting its potential for future VML treatments and advancements in tissue engineering.