Latest news with #hydroxyapatite
Yahoo
04-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Scientists transform pee into material fit for medical implants
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Scientists have developed a method that can transform human urine into the hard mineral in bones and tooth enamel. The research, funded by the U.S. military's Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), uses yeast to break urine down into hydroxyapatite, a form of calcium used in bone and dental implants. And hydroxyapatite isn't useful only for implants — the researchers behind the study said the material could be used in archaeological restoration, as biodegradable alternatives to plastic, and as building materials for construction projects. They published their findings May 6 in the journal Nature Communications. "This process achieves two goals at the same time," study co-author David Kisailus, a professor of materials science and engineering at the University of California, Irvine, said in a statement. "On the one hand, it helps remove human urine from wastewater streams, mitigating environmental pollution and the buildup of unwanted nutrients; and on the other hand, it produces a material that can be commercially marketed for use in a variety of settings." Hydroxyapatite is a tough solid containing charged molecules of calcium, phosphate and hydroxide. It's naturally occurring, as it is the primary component in both bones and teeth. This makes it useful in medical implants because it's not likely to be rejected by the body and can stimulate further growth. However, synthesizing the mineral is expensive, and some methods of doing so produce toxic intermediate chemicals. In mammals such as humans, hydroxyapatite is secreted by specialized cells called osteoblasts that draw in calcium phosphate from body fluids. But these cells don't live very long or divide frequently, which makes harnessing them at industrial scales challenging. Related: Are cavities 'contagious'? Tooth-decay yeast can pass from moms to babies To find another way of producing hydroxyapatite, the researchers turned to Saccharomyces boulardii, a type of yeast. Found on the skins of tropical fruits like lychee, the yeast species is commonly used as a probiotic. RELATED STORIES —Astronauts could ditch diapers on spacewalks thanks to new device that let's them drink their pee —A woman kept getting drunk despite not drinking. Fungi in her gut were brewing their own alcohol. —New urinal designs could prevent up to 265,000 gallons of urine from spilling onto the floor each day By applying some genetic tweaks to this yeast, the scientists transformed it into what they call an "osteoyeast" that breaks down urea to release hydroxyapatite. Urea is a waste product formed when the body breaks down proteins, and it's then filtered by the kidneys and excreted in urine. The process of transforming the urea produces a gram of hydroxyapatite for every liter of urine, the scientists reported. "This process to yield hydroxyapatite, or bone mineral, takes less than one day," Kisailus said. "The fact that it uses yeast as a chassis, which is inexpensive and can be placed in large vats at relatively low temperatures — think about beer that's made via fermentation processes and is well scaled — shows that this can be done easily without major infrastructural needs, and that has the added benefit of making it accessible to developing economies." With their method demonstrated, the scientists are now investigating ways to make it work at scale. They say that they hope to apply the process in order to 3D print hydroxyapatite-based materials for implants, plastics, construction and energy applications.
Sustainability Times
24-06-2025
- Health
- Sustainability Times
'They're Using Pee for Implants Now': Scientists Unveil Shocking Tech That Turns Human Urine Into Bone and Tooth Replacements
IN A NUTSHELL 🔬 Researchers have developed a method using synthetic yeast to convert human urine into valuable hydroxyapatite for medical applications. to convert human urine into valuable hydroxyapatite for medical applications. 🌿 This innovation addresses environmental concerns by removing excess nutrients from wastewater, preventing damage to water systems. 💰 The process opens up a $3.5 billion market opportunity by producing a key material for bone and dental implants. market opportunity by producing a key material for bone and dental implants. 🌍 The scalable and cost-effective method makes advanced medical materials accessible globally, benefiting developing economies. In a groundbreaking development, scientists have harnessed the power of synthetic yeast to convert human urine into a valuable resource for medical applications. This innovative process not only addresses the environmental challenges posed by excess nutrients in wastewater but also taps into a burgeoning $3.5 billion medical market. By transforming urine into hydroxyapatite, a mineral critical for bone and dental implants, researchers are revolutionizing how we view waste and resource management. This advancement underscores the potential for sustainable practices in addressing global health needs, while simultaneously providing economic opportunities in the medical industry. Tackling Two Problems with One Process The ingenious process developed by researchers from the University of California, Irvine, achieves a dual purpose. As Professor David Kisailus explains, it helps mitigate environmental pollution by removing human urine from wastewater streams, while simultaneously producing a commercially valuable material. Urine's high nutrient load can damage water systems if untreated, posing significant environmental risks. However, the synthesized process neutralizes these risks, converting the waste into hydroxyapatite, a substance expected to reach a market value of $3.5 billion by 2030. This dual-benefit approach not only addresses immediate environmental concerns but also opens up new avenues for economic growth and sustainability. Scientists Stumble Onto Miracle Material That Instantly Harvests Drinking Water from Air With Zero Energy or Filters Synthetic Yeast Mimics Natural Bone-Building Cells In nature, bone-forming cells known as osteoblasts are responsible for producing hydroxyapatite by extracting calcium phosphate from body fluids. However, these cells cannot support industrial-scale production. To overcome this limitation, scientists have engineered a synthetic yeast strain, termed 'osteoyeast,' that mimics the activity of osteoblasts. This yeast efficiently breaks down urea to increase the pH, thereby facilitating the accumulation of calcium and phosphate. Consequently, these elements crystallize into hydroxyapatite, which is then secreted from the cell. The result is a highly efficient process, yielding up to 1 gram of hydroxyapatite per liter of urine, thereby making large-scale production feasible. 'Tesla Is Over': This New Electric Car With a Miracle Battery Promises 930 Miles of Range and Shocks the Entire Auto Industry Scalable, Low-Cost, and Globally Accessible One of the most striking features of this innovation is its scalability and cost-effectiveness. As David Kisailus points out, the process to yield hydroxyapatite takes less than a day, using inexpensive yeast that can be cultivated in large vats at low temperatures. This method is akin to the fermentation processes used in brewing beer, suggesting it can be easily scaled without significant infrastructural investments. Such accessibility is crucial for developing economies where high-tech manufacturing capabilities may be limited. By democratizing the production of advanced medical materials, this innovation has the potential to improve healthcare outcomes across the globe, making cutting-edge medical interventions available to a wider audience. Japan Stuns the World with 310,000-Ton Oil Behemoth That Shatters Records and Reinvents the Future of Energy Transport From Waste Stream to Multifunctional Future Hydroxyapatite is renowned for its lightweight, strong, and durable properties, making it ideal for implants and restorations. However, the research team envisions even broader applications. Collaborating with Professor Yasuo Yoshikuni from Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, they aim to develop new materials for energy-based applications using the yeast platform. By combining this technology with 3D printing and structural expertise, they are working towards creating multifunctional architected materials that could revolutionize various industries. Supported by funding from the U.S. Department of Energy and other agencies, this project highlights the potential for innovative, sustainable solutions to global challenges. This remarkable innovation in converting waste into valuable resources poses an intriguing question: As we continue to unlock the potential of synthetic biology, what other unexpected sources might we tap into for sustainable solutions to the world's pressing challenges? Our author used artificial intelligence to enhance this article. Did you like it? 4.5/5 (22)
