August 06, 2025
Researchers at Columbia Engineering have created a new type of bioactive, injectable gel that could advance tissue repair and regenerative medicine. Their innovative approach uses tiny biological particles called extracellular vesicles (EVs) — naturally released by cells to carry proteins and genetic material that help regulate cellular communication.
The study, published July 25 in Matter, describes a hydrogel system that incorporates EVs extracted from milk. These particles not only deliver therapeutic signals but also help form the gel’s structure by linking with biocompatible polymers. This dual role allows the gel to mimic living tissue more closely than traditional synthetic materials, which often lack the ability to communicate effectively with cells.
To overcome the challenge of producing enough EVs for practical use, the team turned to an everyday source: yogurt. By isolating EVs from yogurt, the researchers were able to manufacture the gel in larger quantities while preserving its biological activity. The resulting material is soft, tissue-like, and capable of stimulating nearby cells to promote healing — all without the need for extra chemical additives.
“This project started as a basic question about how to build EV-based hydrogels,” said lead researcher Santiago Correa, assistant professor of biomedical engineering at Columbia. “Yogurt EVs gave us a practical tool, but they turned out to have inherent regenerative potential. That opens the door to new, accessible therapeutic materials.”
The discovery highlights how everyday resources could be transformed into advanced medical tools, potentially offering new ways to support wound healing and regenerative therapies.
SOURCE: https://scitechdaily.com/columbia-scientists-made-a-gel-from-yogurt-that-heals-tissue-and-it-works/
CREDITS: SCI TECH DAILY NEWS