Researchers Develop ‘Artificial Cartilage’ for Targeted Drug Delivery

A research team at the University of Cambridge has made significant strides in the treatment of chronic diseases by developing a new type of biomaterial that mimics human tissue. Led by Professor Oren Scherman from the Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, this innovative material, referred to as ‘artificial cartilage’, has the potential to revolutionize drug delivery systems by responding dynamically to the body’s changing chemistry.

Biomaterials have long been used to replace or assist various body functions, including joint and cardiac repairs. Increasingly, scientists are exploring more advanced applications for these materials. The Cambridge Centre for Medical Materials has successfully created engineered cardiac tissue scaffolds aimed at enhancing heart muscle repair. The latest work from Scherman’s team could lead to breakthroughs in treating chronic conditions, particularly arthritis.

The innovative biomaterial developed by Scherman’s group is designed to change its mechanical properties in response to variations in pH levels within the body. Constructed from polymers—long chains of molecules that are kinetically locked together—the material can be infused with drugs tailored to specific chronic conditions. When acidity rises, as it does during inflammation, the polymer transforms into a gel-like state, releasing the encapsulated drugs as needed.

Arthritis, which affects one in six people in the UK, presents a compelling application for this technology. Symptoms include pain, fatigue, and loss of mobility. Among the key types of arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis (RA), an autoimmune disorder that can lead to inflammation, joint damage, and systemic issues. Current treatments primarily involve disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and biological drugs, which suppress the immune response but often come with severe side effects.

“This material does not aim to cure arthritic conditions, but provides a responsive solution to alleviate symptoms,” said Stephen O’Neill, the first author of the study. “These materials can ‘sense’ when something is amiss and deliver treatment precisely where it is needed. This could minimize the need for frequent drug doses while enhancing patients’ quality of life.”

The next steps for this groundbreaking material involve testing it in live animal models to validate the drug release mechanism and ensure safety before proceeding to extensive human clinical trials. O’Neill is optimistic about the future of artificial cartilage, stating, “Its flexibility allows for the incorporation of both fast-acting and slow-acting drugs, potentially offering a single treatment solution lasting from days to months.”

The potential applications extend beyond arthritis. Many tumors create an acidic environment due to abnormal glucose metabolism, similar to the inflammation seen in arthritic joints. Thus, the artificial cartilage may also play a role in cancer treatment, targeting drug delivery more effectively.

The research team in the Melville Laboratory is eager to advance this technology, with Scherman emphasizing the exciting prospect of combining targeted drug delivery with biomaterials that replicate cartilage properties. As the study progresses, this new approach could significantly improve the management of chronic diseases, offering better treatment options and enhanced patient experiences.