What Is unLIMBited?
UnLIMBited is a cutting-edge regenerative prosthetic technology that combines Induced Pluripotent Stem cells (iPSC), artificial Nerve Guidance Channels (NGC's), and 3D-printed bone scaffolding in order to prompt the regrowth of a limb. It was inspired by the limb regeneration abilities of animals in the order Urodela, such as axolotls and newts.
What Are Its Features?
The Bone Base
This will be composed of hydroxyapatite, a mineral found in bones and teeth, that has been suspended in a biodegradable polymer. The “bone” scaffold serves as an origin for the cells to produce their own natural materials. It is porous which will allow for blood vessels to regenerate within, and in turn, will incorporate the base into the body.
Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
The next step is to use existing adipocytes (fat cells) and turn them into induced pluripotent stem cells. It requires extracting adipocytes and treating them with 5-Azacytidine and a platelet-derived growth factor-AB. This concoction relaxes the hard-wiring of the treated cells, reprogramming them into pluripotent stem cells. When injected into damaged tissue, they will multiply and encourage development and healing.
Nerve Guidance Channels
These will guide proper axon regeneration to the new targeted tissues. This video shows how two broken segments of a nerve are reconnected using a nerve guidance channel. In our technology, NGC's will be used to connect a nerve ending to the new strand of regenerated nerve.
How Does It Work?
By placing adult stem cells from bone marrow on the hyperelastic bone, it will prompt these cells to form into bone cells. The “bone” scaffold serves as an origin for the cells to produce their own natural materials. When injected into damaged tissue, they will multiply and encourage development and healing. The base will slowly but surely be broken down by the body as new bone takes its place and tissue begins growing around it.
Why Is unLIMBited Needed?
This technology will positively impact society by providing amputees or those with disabilities with new opportunities. Cosmetically, it will give them more confidence if they feel insecure about their lost limbs or artificial prosthetics. It will also allow full use of their new limb so they can continue to contribute to society once fully healed. Individuals born with meromelia or amelia, diseases where part or all of a limb is missing at birth, or other congenital defects will also benefit from UnLIMBited. Veterans and active-duty members of the military can benefit from this technology as well; they would be able to continue the jobs they had before they lost a limb. Patients will no longer have to sacrifice functionality for cosmetic appeal. UnLIMBited provides one with a limb that acts exactly like one they had lost, while looking completely natural. Animals can also benefit from UnLIMBited. Those hurt in the wild or in an accident could regrow a new limb and be safely released.