Glass compound might fix bone

Date: 10 July 2002
Source: Yahoo

Date: 10 July 2002

Researchers looking for a way to repair bone and treat arthritis have turned to a seemingly fragile substance to do the job: Glass.

By combining glass with a polymer, scientists at the University of Missouri-Rolla are developing a substance that can be injected into bone, much like the caulk used between bathroom tiles. Once injected, it fills in cracks and breaks and then bonds with the bone, creating a strong repair.

To treat rheumatiod arthritis, the researchers are developing tiny biodegradable glass spheres -- as small as one-tenth the diameter of a human hair -- that can be filled with radioactive medicine. The spheres will be injected into the joint, so the treatment can be delivered directly to the diseased area.

The university has received two patents for its research. One of the researcher's inventions -- radioactive glass spheres called TheraSpheres -- has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat liver cancer.

600450 Glass compound might fix bone glassonweb.com

See more news about:

Others also read

Apogee Enterprises Inc. reported level sales but an increase in earnings for the third quarter of its fiscal 2003. Bloomington-based Apogee, which makes glass products and services, said the earnings increase was mainly the result of improvements in its architectural glass business.
William A. Wulfsohn, vice president and general manager of Nylon System for Honeywell International, has been named vice president of European coatings for PPG Industries (NYSE:PPG) and managing director of PPG Europe. "Bill will play a vital role in helping our European coatings businesses achieve their full potential," said Michael A.
Bystronic is to take over Armatec Vierhaus GmbH with effect from 1 January 2003. For Bystronic, a global supplier of system solutions for the manufacture of architectural and automotive glass, the takeover of Armatec, which specialises in laminated safety glass and handling systems, ideally complements the Bystronic portfolio.
The butterflies at Melbourne Zoo have gone upmarket with a new accommodation wing featuring Pilkington glass.
Owens-Brockway Glass Container Inc., an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Owens-Illinois, Inc., (NYSE: OI) announced today that is has closed on the sale of $175 million principal amount of its 8-3/4% Senior Secured Notes due November 15, 2012.
Southwall Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ: SWTX), a global developer, manufacturer and marketer of thin-film coatings for the automotive glass, electronic display and architectural markets, has named Michael E.

Add new comment