In cases of broken backs, a newly FDA-approved biologic agent called NanoFUSE is helping to grow bone around braces once a spinal fusion surgery is performed. “NanoFUSE is a synthetic bone graft that allows us not to use cadaver bone, and it has a high rate of fusion, so patients are able to grow their own bones in a short period of time,” said Neurosurgeon Fassil Mesfin, MD, with MU Health Care. Once NanoFUSE is inserted, body fluids hydrate the bioactive glass and the surface of the braces become coated with a layer of a mineral called hydroxyapatite. New bone starts forming around the glass fibers, eventually taking the place of the glass particles. The bioactive glass used in NanoFUSE is made exclusively in Rolla, Missouri, by Mo-Sci Corporation, whose chief technology partner is Missouri University of Science and Technology.

Meet the innovators developing new approach to back surgery and learn about the life science practices they are using to causes patients to grow new bone.

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Teacher Resources for the Video:

NGSS Disciplines Addressed in Standards Referenced Below:
• Life Sciences
• Engineering, Technology, and Applications of Science

Discussion Questions:
• Based on what you learned in the video, how effective do you think the use of NanoFUSE will be to back pain patients? What benefits do you think these methods provide for the patients? Are there limitations in this method? What other orthopedic patients might also benefit from NanoFUSE?

Activity Ideas:
• Use the video in conjunction with an activity that has students interviewing individuals who have received NanoFUSE and others who have not. Do students see a difference in how the patients view their recovery?
• Provide the video for students who are doing independent projects on medical discoveries or other medical/health related topics.

Resources for Additional Research:
• Learn more about Mo-Sci Corporation at https://mo-sci.com/.
• Learn more about the NGSS Science and Engineering Practices at the NSTA website.

Unique ID for the Video: IinAction-14
• Use the unique ID as a shortcut for students to find this specific video. Click on Search and choose “By Video ID.” Type in the Video ID as it appears above.

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