A remarkable advancement in arthritis treatment has emerged from the work of Dr. Victor Ayobami Ajisafe, a Nigerian scientist who has created an innovative biomaterial derived from snail mucus. This groundbreaking research, which began during his PhD studies in India, is now making waves in the United States and has the potential to revolutionize the management of cartilage damage and arthritis.
Currently a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), Ajisafe”s exploration of snail mucus commenced at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bangalore, a prestigious institution ranked first in India. His research includes a novel sterilization technique that allows for the safe application of snail mucus in tissue engineering, marking a pivotal advancement in the development of natural biomaterials that promote healing without adverse reactions.
In a recent publication in the American Chemical Society“s journal, ACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering, Ajisafe revealed that the biochemical makeup of snail mucus closely resembles that of human synovial fluid, which serves as a natural lubricant in joints. This significant finding indicates that snail mucus could be instrumental in regenerating damaged cartilage, offering new hope to millions affected by arthritis and joint injuries.
“We were astonished to see how closely snail mucus matches the composition of synovial fluid and reduced human cartilage cell death by 74 percent,” Ajisafe stated. “It is biocompatible, sustainable, and affordable, making it an ideal natural candidate for cartilage repair and arthritis therapy.”
Further analysis, shared in the journal ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, demonstrated that snail mucus significantly enhances the adhesion, survival, and proliferation of cartilage-forming cells. This reinforces its potential as a natural substitute for synthetic biomaterials in orthopedic repair.
Ajisafe”s research encompasses various domains, including biomaterials, tissue engineering, and studies related to the tumor microenvironment, showcasing an interdisciplinary approach that bridges basic science with translational medicine. His achievements have earned him several accolades, including the Best Thesis Award for his PhD and recognition for his oral presentation at an international conference in Italy. He has also received a scholarship from the Indian Council of Cultural Relations for his MSc, underscoring his distinguished academic journey.
“Nigeria and Africa are rich in biological resources that can be transformed into valuable medical innovations,” he emphasized. “With investment in biotechnology and research from governments and industries, we can develop our own solutions and lessen our reliance on foreign imports.”
In addition, his collaborative work on stimuli-responsive hydrogels has garnered international acclaim, solidifying his reputation as one of Africa”s foremost young scientists. Ajisafe”s academic path, which started in Nigeria, has led him to receive global scholarships and produce pioneering research that resonates across four continents, highlighting the capacity of African science to yield discoveries that enhance lives worldwide.
