Texas A&M Researchers Use Nanoflowers to Energize Aging Cells

Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed a revolutionary method to enhance the performance of stem cells, potentially transforming the treatment of aging tissues and degenerative diseases. By using microscopic particles known as nanoflowers, the team successfully doubled the number of mitochondria produced by stem cells. This breakthrough could offer long-term solutions for conditions linked to cellular energy decline, such as heart disease and neurodegenerative disorders.

The findings, published on November 27, 2025, in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, were led by Dr. Akhilesh K. Gaharwar and Ph.D. student John Soukar, along with their colleagues in the Department of Biomedical Engineering. The researchers demonstrated how energized stem cells could effectively transfer excess mitochondria to damaged or aging cells, revitalizing their energy production and enhancing overall cell health.

Innovative Approach to Cellular Energy Loss

As human cells age or suffer damage from conditions like Alzheimer’s disease or exposure to chemotherapy, their ability to generate energy diminishes. This decline is largely due to the reduction in mitochondria, the organelles responsible for providing energy. The new technique developed by the Texas A&M team addresses this issue by enhancing the natural capacity of stem cells to rejuvenate other cells.

When the stem cells were treated with nanoflowers, they became “mitochondrial biofactories,” producing two to four times more mitochondria than untreated cells. Once enriched, these stem cells shared their surplus mitochondria with neighboring damaged cells, restoring their vitality and resistance to cell death. “We have trained healthy cells to share their spare batteries with weaker ones,” explained Gaharwar. “By increasing the number of mitochondria inside donor cells, we can help aging or damaged cells regain their vitality—without any genetic modification or drugs.”

Long-Lasting Therapeutic Potential

Current methods to boost mitochondrial levels often involve short-lived drug treatments that require frequent administration. In contrast, the nanoflower technology, composed of molybdenum disulfide, is designed to remain within cells for extended periods, providing a more sustainable solution. This could mean that therapies based on this approach might only need to be administered once a month.

“This is an early but exciting step toward recharging aging tissues using their own biological machinery,” Gaharwar noted. If further studies validate these results, the implications for treating various degenerative conditions could be significant.

The versatility of this technique is another promising aspect. While still in its infancy, it has the potential to address a wide range of ailments by injecting stem cells directly into affected tissues. “You could put the cells anywhere in the patient,” Soukar stated. “So for cardiomyopathy, you can treat cardiac cells directly—putting the stem cells in or near the heart.”

The project has received substantial funding from reputable sources, including the National Institutes of Health, the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas, and the Department of Defense. Collaborative support from Texas A&M researchers such as Dr. Irtisha Singh, Dr. Vishal Gohil, and Dr. Feng Zhao has also been crucial in advancing this research.

As the team continues its work, they hope to explore new applications for this technology, potentially paving the way for innovative treatments that could significantly enhance the quality of life for those suffering from age-related diseases.