--- title: "Scientists Say New Nanomaterial Could “Replace Human Tissue”" description: "Ther are no bones about it: European researchers say they've invented a rubbery nanomaterial that seamlessly integrates with human tissue." date: "2020-03-17" modified: "2020-03-18" authors: - name: "Jon Christian" job_title: "Executive Editor" link: "https://futurism.com/authors/jonc" url: "https://futurism.com/the-byte/scientists-nanomaterial-replace-human-tissue" categories: - "Future Materials" - "Nanotech" - "Science & Energy" tags: - "bones" - "cartilage" - "nanomaterials" - "the digest" --- # Scientists Say New Nanomaterial Could “Replace Human Tissue” ![Ther are no bones about it: European researchers say they've invented a rubbery nanomaterial that seamlessly integrates with the human body.]() *\Image: Anna Lena Lundqvist/Chalmers\* ## Altered Carbon European researchers say they've invented a rubbery nanomaterial that seamlessly integrates with the human body — which could pave the way for everything from new reconstructive surgeries to extreme body modification. "We were really surprised that the material turned out to be very soft, flexible and extremely elastic," [said Anand Rajasekharan](), one of the researchers behind the new material, in a press release that claimed the material could "replace human tissue." ## Human Tissue The nontoxic material, described in depth by scientists at Chalmers University in Sweden in a [new paper]() in the journal *ACS Nano*, is made of the same stuff as plexiglass. The researchers set out to create a bone replacement material, but found that by manipulating it just right at the nanoscale — that's a billionth of a meter — it took on a rubbery texture that they believe could replace cartilage in everything from joints to prosthetic noses. "There are many diseases where the cartilage breaks down and friction results between bones, causing great pain for the affected person," said Martin Andersson, the research lead. "This material could potentially act as a replacement in those cases." ## Startup Culture Better yet, they say, the material can be treated with small proteins found in the immune system to make it antibacterial — a property they intend to exploit by exploring its use in urinary catheters. The researchers behind the new material have created a company called Amferia to commercialize the material. **READ MORE:** [Nanostructured rubber-like material with optimal properties could replace human tissue]() \[*Phys.org*\] **More on human tissue replacements:** [*Researchers Create First Ever 3D-Printed Heart Using Human Tissue*]() ## Author I'm responsible for editing, assigning, and scouting at Futurism, as well as occasionally writing for the site. That work involves keeping an eye on a wide range of narratives and issues, but over the past few years I've become increasingly interested in how AI is shaping the future of media, the web, and information itself. My day-to-day often involves collaborating on reporting and commentary projects bylined by my colleagues, but I try to find time to do my own reporting as well; stories I've broken for Futurism have been cited by publications including the New York Times, the Washington Post, the New Yorker, Wired, Ars Technica, New York Magazine, the Columbia Journalism Review, Bloomberg, and more. I grew up in Southern Vermont and attended Vanderbilt University. Prior to Futurism, I contributed to outlets including the Boston Globe, Vice, Wired, Slate, the Atlantic, the Outline, Ars Technica and more, and did stints in farming and food service. I currently live in Brooklyn, New York, and in my free time I enjoy pinball, word games, cycling, running, and music production. ### Author social links [Bluesky]()