Node Smith, ND

New Research Elaborates on a Previously Unknown Component of Bone Repair

Some very interesting research has just come out of the Institut Català de Nanociència i Nanotecnologia in Barcelona that further elaborates on a previously unknown component of bone repair. The study shows how osteoblasts may be called into action to form new bone tissue during everyday microtrauma by an electrical impulse actually generated by the creation of the microfracture.¹

“Flexoelectricity” Phenomenon

The phenomenon, called “flexoelectricity,” is a process by which electricity is produced through putting non-uniform pressure upon a material. This phenomenon is actually seen in the ear, as the underlying mechanism of sound amplification through non-uniform – “dancing”- movement of the cochlear hairs.

Current Research Uncovers Why There  Can be Electrical Activity in Bone Unrelated to Collagen

It has been known since the 1950’s that bone exhibits a piezoelectric effect – electricity being created through pressure and heat – though it has largely been explained as a distinct property of collagen. This current research has now uncovered why there can be electrical activity within bone that is not immediately related to collagen.

Flexoelectrical Capacity of Bone Comes from the Bone’s Mineral Component

The researchers in Barcelona conclude that this flexoelectrical capacity of bone is coming from the bone’s mineral component. The response to the non-uniform pressure incurred through microtrauma seems to be very localized. The leading tip of the microfracture is the site of maximum localization, which is an atomically tiny site – and by definition – is the location of maximal strain that a material can incur before full rupture. The effect of this strain is a flexoelectrical field that actually overshadows any collagen piezoelectric effect in the immediate area. The field is only about 50 microns, however seemingly large enough to be sensed by neighboring osteoblasts close to the tip of the crack.

This New Knowledge may be Important to the Prosthetics Industry

The application of this new knowledge may be important to the prosthetics industry, as new materials may be developed to amplify or even reproduce this flexoelectric effect. This could potentially guide regeneration of tissue and improve tissue assimilation outcomes.

Source:

1. Vasquez-sancho F, Abdollahi A, Damjanovic D, Catalan G. Flexoelectricity in Bones. Adv Mater Weinheim. 2018

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Node Smith, ND, is a naturopathic physician in Portland, OR and associate editor for NDNR. He has been instrumental in maintaining a firm connection to the philosophy and heritage of naturopathic medicine among the next generation of docs. He helped found the first multi-generational experiential retreat, which brings elders, alumni, and students together for a weekend camp-out where naturopathic medicine and medical philosophy are experienced in nature. Four years ago he helped found the non-profit, Association for Naturopathic ReVitalization (ANR), for which he serves as the board chairman. ANR has a mission to inspire health practitioners to embody the naturopathic principles through experiential education. Node also has a firm belief that the next era of naturopathic medicine will see a resurgence of in-patient facilities which use fasting, earthing, hydrotherapy and homeopathy to bring people back from chronic diseases of modern living; he is involved in numerous conversations and projects to bring about this vision.