Nov 9 2007
Research on stem cell interaction with new biomaterial has yielded three (3) successful publications in international scientific journals by National University of Singapore and Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Initiative (NUSNNI) and StemLife Berhad. Support and funding from StemLife Berhad (StemLife), enabled the study of the interaction of novel nanofibers with bone-forming stem cells.
Based on the first presentation by the Chief Medical Officer of StemLife, Professor Dr. Aw Tar Choon shows how stem cell technology can be applied as a treatment for muscles and bones. These findings, plus other data obtained from the stem cell expansion project, prove that there is a big potential for the overall success of these research projects. "We hope that these advances in the understanding of biomaterial interaction with stem cells will lead to a revolution in orthopedic science in the future," he said.
The second presentation today entitled "Nanotechnology in Healthcare", by Professor Seeram Ramakrishna, Dean of Engineering, National University of Singapore (NUS). Professor Seeram Ramakrishna, explained the use of stem cells and two naturally occurring bone substances, collagen and hydroxyapatite that were successfully used in producing a new substance - that can mimic the action and function of natural bone substances - providing support and strength to the damaged bone when used to replace the inner core.
Prof. Seeram said that this new development "holds great potential for the construction of a new biomaterial that provides for the mineralization of osteoblasts (bone-forming stem cells) and hence the ability to regenerate new bone tissue."
According to the Journal of American Medical Association, the United Nations has declared the years 2000-2010 the "Bone and Joint Decade" to draw attention to the increasing impact orthopedic conditions will have on world health as life expectancy increases and to the potential for eliminating these problems through current and future research advances. The management and medical panel from StemLife believe that people should be educated and informed on the numerous possibilities that stem cell technology may provide in the future.
Many scientists and clinicians have been seeking ways to treat the world's major illnesses. Stem cell research harnessing the body's own naturally occurring stem cells has begun to show some promising results and possibilities that a treatment for some of these disorders may be within reach.
Homegrown and recently listed StemLife is one of the leading companies in the South East Asian region dealing with stem cell cryogenics. Its commitment to expanding the knowledge of stem cells and innovative technology to develop potential future treatments with credible academic institutions places it on the frontier of modern science and medicine.
The commitment to fund this particular research project, which is focused on stem cell expansion and its applications, was made before its listing exercise in 2005. StemLife pledged RM 300,000 over two (2) years to NUS in support for this project. To date, they have numerous research projects in progress, with Professor Seeram Ramakrishna and his research team at the helm, aimed at finding innovative medical solutions using nanotechnology and stem cells.