This technology is of great importance because, with age, the body's cells lose what are known as "mini power stations" or mitochondria, leading to impaired cell performance, particularly in nerve and muscle cells.
The researchers combined stem cells with special flower-shaped nanoparticles, dubbed "nanoflowers," which helped the cells produce twice the amount of mitochondria. When these enhanced cells are placed alongside old or diseased cells, they share energy with them to boost their function.
This discovery opens new horizons for treating age-related diseases, such as heart disorders and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's, without the need for drugs or genetic modifications, as the cells function naturally on their own.
This technology differs from traditional methods, as current drugs that stimulate energy production are quickly eliminated by cells and require continuous repetition, while "nanoflowers" remain inside cells for a long time and continue to work, meaning that the drug can only be taken once a month.
The method is also characterized by flexibility, as the treatment can be directed to specific parts of the body, such as the heart in the case of cardiomyopathy, or the muscles in cases of muscular dystrophy, making it suitable for treating a wide range of diseases.
