Researchers develop stem cell adhesive for arthritis treatment using mussel adhesion protein

Cartilage is the tissue that protects bones by providing shock absorption and facilitates smooth joint movement. Due to its limited intrinsic healing capacity, stem cell transplantation is a promising therapeutic approach to address cartilage inflammation and damage, as well as to promote cartilage regeneration. However, a major limitation of this technique is the rapid disappearance of transplanted stem cells from the smooth cartilage surface and fluidic environment around cartilage, resulting in less effective treatment outcomes.