Eggshells can enhance the growth of new, strong bones

Eggshells can enhance the growth of new, strong bones needed in medical procedures, a team of researchers has discovered.

Through the innovative process, crushed eggshells are inserted into a hydrogel mixture that forms a miniature frame to grow bone in the laboratory to be used for bone grafts. To do so, bone cells would be taken from the patient's body, introduced into this substance and then cultivated in an incubator before the resulting new bone is implanted into the patient.

How it works:

The research demonstrates that when eggshell particles - which are primarily made of calcium carbonate - are incorporated into the hydrogel mixture, they increase bone cells' ability to grow and harden, which could potentially result in faster healing. And, because the bone would be generated from cells taken from the patient, the possibility the individual's immune system would reject the new material is greatly reduced.

The process could also be used to help grow cartilage, teeth, and tendons. One day, eggshell particles could also serve as a vehicle to deliver proteins, peptides, growth factors, genes and medications to the body.