Scientists at King’s College London have made a breakthrough in replicating the environment required to grow teeth in the lab. The team successfully introduced a specialized material that allows cells to communicate with each other, enabling one cell to signal another to begin transforming into a tooth cell.
This innovation brings scientists closer to recreating the process of tooth formation outside the body. Lab-grown teeth could potentially replace fillings and implants, offering a more natural and durable alternative to current dental fixes.
According to Dr. Ana Angelova Volponi, corresponding author of the paper, “The work being conducted at the Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences at King’s College London exemplifies the cutting-edge research driving this transformation, highlighting our Faculty’s commitment to advancing oral health through scientific discovery.”
The breakthrough is part of the broader field of regenerative medicine, which aims to harness the body’s own biology to repair or replace damaged tissues. Scientists are developing natural replacements using stem cells and bioengineered environments.
While there is still a challenge to be overcome – transferring lab-grown teeth into patients’ mouths – this innovation holds promise for revolutionizing dental care. With regenerative medicine, scientists hope to offer sustainable and effective solutions for tooth repair and regeneration, potentially replacing artificial solutions like metal implants or dentures.
Source: https://interestingengineering.com/health/scientists-edge-closer-to-lab-grown-teeth?group=test_b