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Researchers at McGill University have developed a simple yet powerful technique to improve the strength and performance of lab-grown tissues by using vibrations. The study, led by Aram Bahmani and Associate Professor Jianyu Li, was published in Advanced Functional Materials. By gently vibrating living materials such as blood clots and engineered tissues during formation, the team found they could fine-tune their strength—making them up to four times stronger or weaker depending on medical needs.
This approach has significant potential for regenerative medicine, wound healing, and emergency care. For example, stronger, faster-forming clots could help stop bleeding in traumatic injuries, while weaker, more easily dissolved clots could reduce risks of conditions like stroke or deep vein thrombosis. Unlike older methods that relied on magnets or ultrasound, the vibration technique is broadly applicable, safe, and non-invasive, without damaging tissues or triggering immune responses.
To test the method’s reliability, the team applied vibrations to a range of materials, including blood-based gels, plasma, and alginate, then confirmed its effectiveness in animal models. Imaging and mechanical analyses showed that the vibrations safely influenced how cells organized and behaved, demonstrating that the technique could work inside living systems as well as in the lab.
Looking ahead, the researchers envision integrating this low-cost, scalable method into medical technologies. Potential applications include handheld devices to stop bleeding or “smart” bandages that speed healing. While more testing is needed—particularly in complex wounds and alongside medications—the discovery represents a major step toward practical, accessible tools for tissue engineering and advanced healthcare.
