Researchers Develop Responsive ‘Artificial Cartilage’ for Treatment

A team of researchers at the University of Cambridge has developed an innovative biomaterial that could revolutionize treatment for chronic diseases. Led by Professor Oren Scherman from the Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, the team has created a responsive material that mimics human tissue and adapts to changes in the body’s chemistry. This breakthrough could lead to more effective therapies for long-term illnesses.

Biomaterials, which include ceramics, metals, and polymers, are increasingly used to replace or restore body functions. Common applications involve joint replacements and cardiac repairs, such as heart valves and blood vessels. The focus on advancing these materials has intensified, particularly at the University of Cambridge, with developments like engineered cardiac tissue scaffolds at the Cambridge Centre for Medical Materials.

The new biomaterial developed by Scherman’s research group distinguishes itself through its ability to alter its mechanical properties in response to changes in pH levels within the body. Composed of polymers—long chains of molecules that are kinetically locked together—this material can be loaded with drugs tailored to specific chronic conditions. As the body’s acidity increases, which often occurs during inflammation, the material transforms into a jelly-like consistency, triggering the release of the encapsulated drugs.

One promising application of this technology is in the treatment of arthritis, a condition affecting approximately 1 in 6 people in the UK. Key forms of arthritis include osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the latter being an autoimmune disease that can severely impact younger individuals. RA leads to inflammation, swelling, and often the degradation of cartilage and bone in the joints, as well as complications in other organs.

Current treatments for RA primarily involve disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and biological drugs that suppress the immune system’s attack on joints. These powerful immunosuppressants can have significant side effects, as they often include agents used in cancer chemotherapy. Pain management typically relies on analgesics and anti-inflammatories—therapies that could be integrated into the artificial cartilage.

According to first author Stephen O’Neill, the aim of this artificial cartilage is not to cure arthritic conditions but to provide symptom relief in a manner that is highly responsive to the body’s chemistry. He states, “These materials can ‘sense’ when something is wrong in the body and respond by delivering treatment right where it’s needed. This could reduce the need for repeated doses of drugs while improving patient quality of life.”

Looking ahead, the research team plans to advance their work by testing the pH-sensitive material in live animal models. This next phase will confirm whether the drug release mechanism operates effectively and enhance safety before moving into extensive clinical trials with human participants. O’Neill emphasizes the versatility of the material, suggesting it could incorporate both fast-acting and slow-release drugs, potentially offering a single treatment that lasts for days, weeks, or even months.

The implications extend beyond arthritis treatment; the material also shows promise in cancer therapy. Many tumors create an acidic environment due to abnormal glucose metabolism in cancer cells, similar to the inflamed joints seen in arthritic conditions. The potential for this innovative biomaterial to address both arthritis and cancer could significantly enhance treatment options.

As the research progresses, the Melville Laboratory team remains hopeful about the success of this and future responsive biomaterials. Scherman notes, “For a while now, we’ve been interested in using these materials in joints, since their properties can mimic those of cartilage. But to combine that with highly targeted drug delivery is a really exciting prospect.” This advancement could herald a new era in medical treatments, paving the way for more personalized and effective healthcare solutions.