Nanobone material could regrow jawbone in children with cleft palate

University of Sydney researchers have developed a biodegradable 'nanobone' material that could help the body regrow bone, potentially offering an alternative to invasive graft surgery for children with cleft lip and palate. In a preclinical study published in ACS Nano, the material generated approximately 80 percent more new bone than a control after eight weeks and activated a key bone-repair growth factor at around 10 times conventional levels. It works by triggering dormant healing signals that attract bone-forming stem cells. Cleft lip and palate affects about 1 in 700 children, and current treatments often require waiting until age 10 to 12 for bone grafting. The researchers hope the technology could enable earlier treatment and eventually be combined with 3D-printed scaffolds for personalised repair of traumatic injuries and tooth loss.