Researchers transform stem cells into bone cells using sound waves

Microscope image of stem cells turning into bone cells (green indicates collagen) — © RMIT University

A team of Australian researchers has developed a relatively simple process to induce stem cells to transform efficiently and quickly into bone cells, using sound waves.

Stimulate mesenchymal stem cells to differentiate into bone cells

The use of stem cells for the regeneration of various body tissues is particularly promising. However, those able to transform into bone cells, called mesenchymal stem cells (CSM), are mainly found in the bone marrow, which involves a painful sampling procedure, while the techniques currently employed to induce their differentiation offer mixed results.

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In the context of work published in the journal Smallresearchers from RMIT have found a faster and easier way to encourage CSM to transform into bone cells, by exposing them to high frequency sound waves.

The team used a microchip producing in the MHz range and directed them to CSM stored in boxes Petri. It turned out that the optimal setup was to expose these cells to 10 MHz signals for 10 minutes a day for five days, which increased the levels of certain markers indicating that they were indeed transforming into bone cells.

The microchip (left) produces sound waves prompting stem cells to start differentiating into bone cells — © RMIT University

« Using sound waves, we can apply the right amount of pressure to trigger the process of mesenchymal stem cell differentiation. “, details Leslie Yeo, lead author of the study. ” Cheap and simple to use, our device might be easily scaled up to process large numbers of cells simultaneously, which is vital for efficient tissue engineering.. »

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A simpler approach

Once the stem cells have started to differentiate into bone cells, they can be injected into the body at the site of injury or disease, or applied to an implant. According to the team, this process eliminates the need for compounds that encourage stem cells to take this route, and makes the whole thing much faster and more efficient.

Better yet, the CSM can be obtained from other parts of the patient’s body, such as adipose tissue, involving much less invasive sampling procedures than for bone marrow.

The team is currently working on scaling the platform for practical use.

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