Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Anna Gryadunova, Jesil Kasamkattil, Max Hans Peter Gay, Boris Dasen, Karoliina Pelttari, Vladimir Mironov, Ivan Martin, Stefan Schaeren, Andrea Barbero, Olga Krupkova, Arne Mehrkens
Summary: This study demonstrates the potential of scaffold-free spheroids derived from human nasal chondrocytes for nucleus pulposus regeneration, showing good injectability and biochemical properties under suitable culture conditions, making it a promising strategy for degenerative disc disease treatment.
ACTA BIOMATERIALIA
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sarah Yahia, Islam A. Khalil, Ibrahim M. El-Sherbiny
Summary: This study aimed at developing a bioimplant for the treatment of damaged intervertebral discs that can maintain their function. The implant, composed of a fortified gelatin-based hydrogel, mimics the mechanical properties of intervertebral discs and releases bioactive agents. Experimental results showed that the implant has good biocompatibility and promotes healing.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Lin Huang, Wantao Wang, Yiwen Xian, Lei Liu, Jinghao Fan, Hongmei Liu, Zhaomin Zheng, Decheng Wu
Summary: This study reported a rapidly forming injectable chitosan/PEG hydrogel (CSMA-PEGDA-L) that can retard the progression of intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration. The hydrogel demonstrated strong compressive strength and low cytotoxicity. When implanted on the punctured IVD of rats, it effectively slowed down the degenerative changes.
MATERIALS TODAY BIO
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Jeffrey Luo, Anjani Darai, Thanapat Pongkulapa, Brian Conley, Letao Yang, Inbo Han, Ki-Bum Lee
Summary: Intervertebral disc degeneration is a common cause of back pain and can lead to more serious conditions such as disc herniation and spinal stenosis. Traditional growth factor therapies have limited effectiveness in completely regenerating degenerated discs, thus there is a need for bioscaffolds. A new injectable bioorthogonal hydrogel, called BIOGEL, was developed using tetrazine-norbornene bioorthogonal ligation combined with gelatin. This BIOGEL showed promising results in promoting tissue repair and functional recovery in rat models of IVD degeneration.
BIOACTIVE MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Yijian Ying, Kaiwen Cai, Xiongxiong Cai, Kai Zhang, Rongzhang Qiu, Guoqiang Jiang, Kefeng Luo
Summary: This article systematically reviews recent advances in repairing intervertebral discs, describes their advantages and shortcomings, and explores future directions in repair technology.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yuchen Ye, Panpan Xu, Cai Li, Shichang Jin, Jie Hu, Yuekun Fang, Kun Zhu, Gang Xu, Zhongbing Han, Zhili Zhang, Nan Wu, Pan Jiang, Zhengqi Bao, Pinghui Zhou, Changchun Zhang
Summary: Intervertebral disc degeneration is a common disease and current treatments do not address the root causes. Recent advancements in genetic engineering and tissue engineering suggest that a gene vector and hydrogel carrier could be used for effective treatment.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Review
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Kaiwen Zheng, Dajiang Du
Summary: Hydrogels are considered ideal materials for treating intervertebral disc degeneration due to their unique properties and have drawn increasing attention in recent years. Numerous innovative hydrogel polymers have been generated, providing new possibilities for intervertebral disc regeneration. These novel hydrogel-based strategies may have important implications for intervertebral disc degeneration disease.
JOURNAL OF TISSUE ENGINEERING AND REGENERATIVE MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Qingchen Meng, En Xie, Heng Sun, Huan Wang, Jiaying Li, Zhao Liu, Kexin Li, Jie Hu, Qianglong Chen, Chaoyong Liu, Bin Li, Fengxuan Han
Summary: This study developed high-strength smart microneedles that can penetrate the annulus fibrosus tissue using a local and minimally invasive method, achieving drug release and hyperthermia therapy. In vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that the microneedles effectively reduced inflammation, inhibited cell apoptosis, and promoted extracellular matrix synthesis.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Cell Biology
Huagui Huang, Xin Liu, Jinzuo Wang, Moran Suo, Jing Zhang, Tianze Sun, Wentao Zhang, Zhonghai Li
Summary: Intervertebral disc degeneration is a complex and not yet fully understood cause of low back pain. In recent years, mesenchymal stem cells derived from the fetal umbilical cord have shown promising results in regenerating intervertebral discs. These cells have excellent characteristics and can potentially replace the commonly used sources of mesenchymal stem cells. However, the survival of umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells within the disc is crucial for their regenerative capacity, and biomaterial scaffolds have shown potential in aiding their survival.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Brian M. Conley, Letao Yang, Basanta Bhujel, Jeffrey Luo, Inbo Han, Ki-Bum Lee
Summary: We developed a dynamic and multifunctional nanohybrid peptide hydrogel that can overcome the heterogeneous pro-inflammatory and inhibitory extracellular matrix microenvironment, enabling robust repair of severely wounded fibrocartilaginous tissues.
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Meiling Zhu, Jianwang Tan, Lu Liu, Jinhuan Tian, Lihua Li, Binghong Luo, Changren Zhou, Lu Lu
Summary: A biomimetic artificial IVD scaffold was constructed using a combination of 3D printing and electrospinning techniques, mimicking the structure and mechanical properties of natural IVD. The scaffold, with materials simulating annulus fibrosus and nucleus pulposus structures, provides good mechanical support for tissue repair and regeneration.
MATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING C-MATERIALS FOR BIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS
(2021)
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Miaomiao Zhang, Shixin Xu, Ruoying Wang, Yongan Che, Cuicui Han, Wei Feng, Chengwei Wang, Wen Zhao
Summary: Electrospun nanofiber/hydrogel composites have gained significant attention due to their combination of excellent biochemical properties of hydrogel with the biomimetic nature of electrospun fibers. These composites, with tunable mechanical properties, can mimic the microstructure of extracellular matrix (ECM) and microenvironment of cells, making them advantageous for tissue repair. However, a comprehensive review on their application as tissue engineering scaffolds is lacking. This article systematically reviews the preparation and application of electrospun fiber/hydrogel composites in tissue engineering, providing insights for future research directions.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Mitchell I. Page, Jeremiah T. Easley, Andres F. Bonilla, Vikas V. Patel, Christian M. Puttlitz
Summary: A novel tissue engineered implant for annulus fibrosus repair, fabricated via three-dimensional fiber deposition, demonstrated functional efficacy in both ex vivo and in vivo studies.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Rui-Chian Tang, Lily Shang, Philip O. Scumpia, Dino Di Carlo
Summary: Researchers have developed a novel crescent-shaped hydrogel scaffold with a microporous structure that allows for improved cell infiltration and expansion. With the use of microfluidic fabrication, the size of the cavities in the scaffold can be adjusted, leading to enhanced cellular network formation in vitro and in vivo. The results suggest that this new scaffold has the potential for superior functionality in tissue engineering applications.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
M. Khandaker, H. Kotturi, H. Progri, S. Tummala, S. Nikfarjam, P. Rao, A. Hosna, D. T. Arasu, W. Williams, A. M. Haleem
Summary: Polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA) and polycaprolactone (PCL)-coated PEGDA scaffolds were compared for multi-tissue repair applications. PCL-PEGDA showed better mechanical properties and cytocompatibility, making it more suitable for in vivo studies.
BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Orthopedics
Sun H. Peck, Justin R. Bendigo, John W. Tobias, George R. Dodge, Neil R. Malhotra, Robert L. Mauck, Lachlan J. Smith
Summary: The study aimed to investigate the effects of preconditioning with hypoxia and/or transforming growth factor-beta 3 (TGF-beta 3) on enhancing mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) survival and extracellular matrix production in a low oxygen and nutrient-limited microenvironment. Results showed that hypoxic preconditioning significantly increased MSC survival in low oxygen and nutrient-limited conditions, while TGF-beta 3 preconditioning decreased survival. The effects of different preconditioning methods on glycosaminoglycan production varied depending on the donor.
Article
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Ana P. Peredo, Sarah E. Gullbrand, Harvey E. Smith, Robert L. Mauck
Summary: Intervertebral disc herniation can cause neural compression, pain, and loss of function, with surgical intervention carrying risks of reherniation and further degeneration. Traditional repair methods fail to address rupture of the annulus fibrosus, highlighting the need to mobilize cellular players for improved healing outcomes.
TISSUE ENGINEERING PART B-REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
Beth G. Ashinsky, Sarah E. Gullbrand, Chao Wang, Edward D. Bonnevie, Lin Han, Robert L. Mauck, Harvey E. Smith
Summary: Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is a complex process involving progressive changes in multiple subcomponents and structures of the spine. The study demonstrates that as degeneration progresses, there are reductions in disc height, nucleus pulposus T2 relaxation time, alterations in motion segment macromechanical function, disc matrix composition, and cellular morphology. This emphasizes the importance of studying IVD degeneration as a whole organ.
JOURNAL OF ANATOMY
(2021)
Review
Orthopedics
Christian R. D'Andrea, Ausilah Alfraihat, Anita Singh, Jason B. Anari, Patrick J. Cahill, Thomas Schaer, Brian D. Snyder, Dawn Elliott, Sriram Balasubramanian
Summary: This paper discusses the effects of mechanical loading on macro-scale bone growth alterations and factors affecting growth plate material properties. Findings indicate that growth plate morphology and viability are influenced by loading parameters.
JOURNAL OF ORTHOPAEDIC RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Orthopedics
Naomi N. Lee, Elias Salzer, Frances C. Bach, Andres F. Bonilla, James L. Cook, Zulma Gazit, Sibylle Grad, Keita Ito, Lachlan J. Smith, Andrea Vernengo, Hans-Joachim Wilke, Julie B. Engiles, Marianna A. Tryfonidou
Summary: Preclinical studies involving large animal models aim to bridge the gap between benchtop and bedside by replicating the clinical situation. This paper consolidates knowledge and expertise in large animal preclinical models of intervertebral disc degeneration, presenting a scoring algorithm based on macroscopic, microscopic, and clinical scales. Challenges and future directions in large animal models for IVD regeneration are discussed to pave the way for clinically relevant therapeutic strategies.
Article
Orthopedics
Chitra L. Dahia, Julie B. Engiles, Sarah E. Gullbrand, James C. Iatridis, Alon Lai, Christine L. Le Maitre, Jeffrey C. Lotz, Koichi Masuda, Cheryle A. Seguin, Marianna A. Tryfonidou
Summary: This perspective summarizes the genesis, development, and potential future directions of the multispecies JOR Spine histopathology series.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Yian Khai Lau, Sun H. Peck, Toren Arginteanu, Meilun Wu, Megan Lin, Eileen M. Shore, Peter S. Klein, Margret L. Casal, Lachlan J. Smith
Summary: The study found that bone and cartilage cells in MPS I are capable of responding to exogenous osteogenic signals even in the presence of significant lysosomal storage, suggesting that targeted osteogenic therapies may represent a promising approach for attenuating bone disease progression in MPS I.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Elizabeth A. Capogna, Emma Brown, Evan Walrath, William Furst, Qing Dong, Chao-Ming Zhou, Sarah E. Gullbrand, Nam V. Vo, Gwendolyn A. Sowa, Eric H. Ledet
Summary: This study demonstrated that sustained low rate cyclic loading has a therapeutic effect on degenerated intervertebral discs and promotes signs of regeneration. If clinically validated, this approach could serve as a significant non-invasive treatment for intervertebral disc degeneration.
EUROPEAN SPINE JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Orthopedics
Sachin Gupta, Rui Xiao, Matthew Fainor, Robert L. Mauck, Harvey E. Smith, Sarah E. Gullbrand
Summary: This study characterizes alterations to human facet cartilage and subchondral bone across a spectrum of degeneration and investigates correlations between disc and facet degeneration. The findings suggest that the mechanical properties of facet cartilage and the structural properties of facet subchondral bone change with increasing degenerative grade and are correlated with aspects of disc degeneration.
JOURNAL OF ORTHOPAEDIC RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Orthopedics
Kyle D. Meadows, John M. Peloquin, Harrah R. Newman, Peter J. K. Cauchy, Edward J. Vresilovic, Dawn M. Elliott
Summary: This study developed noninvasive methods to measure disc mechanical function via MRI and established baseline data in a young population. These findings can be used for future comparisons with older subjects and clinical disorders.
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
Matthew Fainor, Sonal Mahindroo, Kerri R. R. Betz, Janai Augustin, Harvey E. E. Smith, Robert L. L. Mauck, Sarah E. E. Gullbrand
Summary: Varying degrees of surface functionalization with hydroxyapatite (HA) have been found to play a crucial role in the differential osteogenesis observed in infiltrating cells. The study successfully fabricated polycaprolactone salt-leached scaffolds with two different levels of biomimetic calcium phosphate coating and examined their effects on MSC osteogenesis. Longer duration coating in simulated body fluid led to increased HA crystal nucleation and more robust HA crystal formation, ultimately resulting in enhanced osteogenesis of MSCs in vitro and in vivo.
CELLS TISSUES ORGANS
(2023)
Article
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Hunter Levis, Jacob Weston, Brooke Austin, Bryce Larsen, Matthew Ginley-Hidinger, Sarah E. Gullbrand, Brandon Lawrence, Robby D. Bowles
Summary: Lower back pain, often caused by degenerative disc disease (DDD), is a major disability worldwide. Current treatment options for DDD are mainly palliative, but cell therapies have the potential to restore tissue function. However, the acidic environment in a degenerating disc hinders the viability of stem cells. This study used a CRISPR-activation (CRISPRa) gene perturbation screen to identify genes that enhance the survival of adipose-derived stem cells in acidic conditions.
Article
Orthopedics
Matthew Fainor, Brianna S. Orozco, Victoria G. Muir, Sonal Mahindroo, Sachin Gupta, Robert L. Mauck, Jason A. Burdick, Harvey E. Smith, Sarah E. Gullbrand
Summary: This study investigates the interaction between vertebral endplate sclerosis, facet osteoarthritis, and intervertebral disc in response to acute disc injury. The findings suggest that disc degeneration and increased bone density in endplates are related to needle diameter and time after puncture. Additionally, altered disc mechanics can induce facet degeneration, and extreme bony remodeling near the disc may promote facet cartilage recovery by reducing load on the articular cartilage.
Review
Orthopedics
Ana P. Peredo, Sarah E. Gullbrand, Robert L. Mauck, Harvey E. Smith
Summary: Intervertebral disc (IVD) herniations, caused by annulus fibrosus (AF) tears, are common among adults in the third to fifth decade of life. Symptomatic herniations can lead to back pain, numbness, and tingling, resulting in extreme physical disability. Despite advancements in surgical techniques, challenges remain in effectively restoring the native tissue structure and function of the AF.
Article
Cell & Tissue Engineering
B. Ashinsky, H. E. Smith, R. L. Mauck, S. E. Gullbrand
Summary: Back and neck pain are leading causes of disability and healthcare spending globally, with intervertebral disc degeneration being a common source of pain. Regenerative therapies targeting disc components must also consider degenerative changes in adjacent spinal structures to be successful. A holistic approach to treating pain and degeneration in motion segments is necessary for effective regenerative strategies.
EUROPEAN CELLS & MATERIALS
(2021)