Renowned Researcher is Focused on Ways to Solve Challenging Bone Regeneration

Melanie Coathup, Ph.D., is in select company. Last April, she was inducted into the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE) College of Fellows — one of the highest professional distinctions given to a medical and biological engineer.

Dr. Coathup, Professor and Director of the Biionix Cluster at the University of Central Florida, leads a multidisciplinary team of researchers who are developing advanced materials and processes for medical implants, tissue regeneration, prostheses and other high-tech products.

Her work focuses on developing new technologies and therapeutics to rebuild and repair bone tissues that are lost due to aging, cancer therapy and degenerative diseases such as osteoporosis. She’s also exploring ways to prevent bone loss in astronauts as they orbit in space.

Dr. Coathup recently discussed what excites her about new developments in bone growth technology, revealed what keeps her up at night (in a good way) and shared why she’s committed to role-modeling careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) for school-aged girls. 

What does it mean to be recognized for your pioneering work in the development of biomaterials for orthopedic applications? 

Dr. Coathup: Getting inducted into the AIMBE College of Fellows is an amazing accomplishment that truly means the world to me. Research and scientific endeavors can be tough and often involve troubleshooting, obstacles and grappling with unanswered questions. Success isn’t always guaranteed, and failure is part of the journey.

I share the credit with the many students and postdoctoral researchers with whom I’ve had the privilege of working over the past six years. It’s gratifying to receive recognition for the years of effort we’ve put into our research. It’s not only an honor, but also a source of motivation to keep pushing forward. 

You were born and raised in the U.K., where you completed undergraduate studies in medical cell biology at the University of Liverpool and earned a Ph.D. in orthopedic implant fixation. How have your research interests evolved? 

Dr. Coathup: My studies in the U.K. primarily focused on implant design, bone substitutes and stem cell delivery. Since I’ve transitioned to the United States, my attention has shifted to exploring materials, therapies and biologics that enhance bone repair and regeneration, especially during challenging conditions. I’ve also delved into the effects that radiation has on bone health, particularly in cancer patients who are undergoing radiotherapy.

Radiation exposure increases the risk of common fractures, especially for the treatment of breast tumors, which absorb more radiation than surrounding tissues. The subsequent bone repair process is even more challenging in these patients because radiation severely impairs the body’s ability to heal.

I’ve also begun to explore microgravity’s impact on bone regeneration. I’m investigating the development of products to counteract the accelerated bone loss experienced by astronauts in space. Interestingly, this aspect of my work overlaps with the impact radiation has on bone health, making it a multifaceted and exciting research area. 

What excites you about the potential of developing biologics that promote bone growth, and how is your research advancing those efforts? 

Dr. Coathup: I’m particularly intrigued by the idea of adopting a multifunctional approach. Unlike traditional bone substitute materials, which usually target bone cells and stem cells, addressing bone growth in challenging conditions demands a broader focus. This multifunctional approach aims to target various factors — inflammation, blood vessel formation and antibacterial effects — to achieve a robust repair response.

My team of researchers has been exploring the use of multifunctional cerium oxide nanoparticles, which exhibit compelling properties. They have shown the ability to scavenge oxidative free radicals that cause significant damage following radiation exposure. These nanoparticles supplement the body’s natural antioxidant defenses and enhance the removal of free radicals.

What’s intriguing about our ongoing studies is that these nanoparticles also promote bone growth. Through precise control of their synthesis methods, we’ve managed to modulate the surface catalytic activity. By increasing the concentration of trivalent surface sites, we’ve observed even more effective free radical scavenging, especially for the particularly harmful hydroxyl radicals. This outcome has surpassed our initial expectations.

Additionally, cerium oxide serves as a shielding material against radiation, although the extent of its protection capabilities requires further investigation. This aspect is particularly exciting as it suggests that nanoparticles can absorb direct photons from radiation, a potential finding that would fill a gap in our current therapeutic strategies.

 How else are you exploring ways to prevent radiation-induced bone loss? 

Dr. Coathup: We’ve been investigating in parallel the potential benefits of a small molecule aminopropyl carbazole, known as P7C3. The therapy, which was originally investigated for neurological conditions, has demonstrated remarkable potential in preserving bone health.

P7C3 has also displayed impressive results in animal models that simulate postmenopausal osteoporosis. Not only did it halt the progression of osteoporosis, but it also prevented weight gain and excess body fat, which is an intriguing and unexpected outcome.

We have observed that the combination of cerium oxide nanoparticles and P7C3 is effective in preventing radiation-induced bone damage, preserving bone strength and reducing bone loss.

We’re currently in the process of patenting a combination of the two therapies that yields a synergistic effect to enhance bone growth. The exciting findings from our research keep me awake at night as I strive to unravel the underlying mechanisms driving these results. 

In what ways do you see the bone regeneration space evolving over the next five years?

Dr. Coathup: My focus is shifting toward a multifunctional approach in the development of bone substitutes. I’m currently intrigued by the concept of Kuros Biosciences’ MagnetOs. The technology seems to involve nano- or micro-spindles within or on the surface of substitute materials that attract macrophages, leading to an anti-inflammatory response. This multifunctional aspect — addressing both inflammation and bone response — piques my interest.

There is also a growing interest in the use of 3D printing technology to create bone substitute products, although I’m uncertain about its practical viability and potential cost-effectiveness. 3D printing, particularly in the context of large bone tumor implants and joint replacements, shows promise.

There is a concern about having enough surface area on 3D-printed implants to induce bacterial attachment. That presents an opportunity to modify the composition of additively manufactured bone substitutes or provide surface coatings to create a porous structure that supports bone growth while mitigating bacterial activity. I think that’s an exciting line of research.

I’m hoping bone substitute products become multifunctional, yet maintain uncomplicated designs. This transition will involve exploring materials beyond traditional metals and considering biomechanical factors to develop optimal solutions, which is a shared goal among labs worldwide.

I also believe that enhancing the education of surgeons and end users is essential. While we conduct valuable research in the lab, the challenge lies in bridging the gap between bench work and practical application. The process of translating scientific advancements to clinical practice is a crucial aspect that needs to be addressed. 

Why are you passionate about exposing young girls to STEM careers? 

Dr. Coathup: Many young girls express interest in becoming engineers or scientists until around the age of 12. Something happens during their teenage years, causing them to shift away from these career paths. This trend is reflected in the statistics, which show that women tend to diverge from careers in STEM fields. The reasons for this transition aren’t entirely clear.

I had a recent conversation with a schoolteacher friend of mine in the U.K. She told her class of six- and seven-year-olds about my work to spark their interest in STEM pursuits.

One of the girls in the class saw that I was wearing a white coat and mentioned that women can’t be the type of doctors who conduct research in a lab. My friend, who is dedicated to empowering students — especially young girls — to believe that they can achieve anything, was disheartened by the comment.

Stereotypical career advice often encourages girls to consider more traditionally female roles in science, such as nursing. While these types of jobs are undoubtedly crucial, it’s important to offer young women a more diverse range of professional role models.

My friend and I are in the process of figuring out how we can stay connected with young students as they progress through their schooling years. We want to assist them in remaining focused on their goals and dreams.

We’re working on a plan to connect with her class every year and potentially follow their progress over a decade. We want to nurture their desires to be whatever they want. We also want to learn more about the barriers that may hinder them from pursuing careers in STEM. Save Supplier