Professor Travis Klein’s team
has developed a hydrogel that can help repair cartilage injuries and prevent osteoarthritis. This degenerative joint disease is the most prevalent form of arthritis, afflicting more than half-a-billion people worldwide, including 20 per cent of Australians aged over 45. One of the major causes of osteoarthritis is cartilage injuries, which are common but don’t repair well without medical intervention. Professor Klein’s hydrogel adheres to cartilage to hold it together post-injury, allowing flexibility in the joint while being strong enough to withstand loading. This bio-adhesive also promotes the growth of new tissues for long-term repair, reducing the chances of developing osteoarthritis.
Find Prof Klein’s QUT Academic Profile here.
Read and download the Advanced Biomaterials Capability Statement
