Scientists have developed a jelly that could have a dramatic impact in aiding the healing of damaged cartilage, it was reported last night.
Known as a hydrogel, the substance is described as a biomaterial.
Scientists say it acts on the human body like a fertilising "enriching" the environment to encourage healthy tissue to grow without scarring.
The substance has now been tested on 15 patients with knee cartilage problems in the USA. They were compared with 15 other patients.
Reporting in Science Translational Medicine, the researchers say the hydrogel treated patients enjoyed less pain and healthier tissue than the others.
The researchers, led by Jennifer Elisseeff, of Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland, USA, say: "The results suggest this light-activated hydrogel could be a versatile and safe way to enhance traditional cartilage repair."
Human Cartilage Repair with a Photoreactive Adhesive-Hydrogel Composite. Science Translational Medicine 9 January 2013
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