Crocodiles may be the future of cartilage repair — 4 things to know about a new technology

Biologics

Researchers at Central Queensland University in Australia are developing a 3D bioprint of crocodile cartilage to promote cartilage repair, ABC Capricornia reports.

Here are four things to know:

1. Researchers are developing a process to extract growth factors from crocodile cartilage and remove proteins that trigger an immune response in humans.

2. Crocodile cartilage is rich in proteoglycans, a protein which promotes tissue growth.

3. According to microbiologist Pardraig Strappe, PhD, the 3D-bioprinted cartilage explants could eventually be implanted into damaged human joints.

4. Dr. Strappe said the technology may replace arthroscopic surgery for cartilage repair. He claimed the research team is focused on finding biotech companies that could develop and market the technology.

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