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Published on: April 19, 2015
Biphasic scaffold for annulus fibrosus tissue regeneration
Yuqing Wan1, Gang Feng, Francis H Shen
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA.
Biomaterials
|November 13, 2007
Summary
A novel biphasic scaffold made of demineralized bone matrix gelatin and poly(polycaprolactone triol malate) shows promise for annulus fibrosus repair, potentially alleviating lower back pain caused by intervertebral disc degeneration.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Orthopedics
Background:
- Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is a primary cause of lower back pain, with current treatments offering only symptomatic relief.
- Tissue engineering presents a curative approach by aiming to restore spinal biomechanical function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a biphasic elastic scaffold designed to mimic the annulus fibrosus (AF) tissue of the IVD.
- To assess the scaffold's structural and elastic simulation capabilities for AF repair.
Main Methods:
- Developed a biphasic scaffold with an outer phase of demineralized bone matrix gelatin (BMG) and an inner phase of poly(polycaprolactone triol malate) (PPCLM) seeded with chondrocytes.
- Investigated mechanical properties, degradation, biocompatibility in vivo, and chondrocyte support.
- Adjusted PPCLM properties via post-polymerization time.
Main Results:
- The BMG/PPCLM scaffold exhibited significantly enhanced compressive strength and 50-fold greater tensile stress compared to PPCLM alone, approaching native rabbit AF levels.
- PPCLM demonstrated good biocompatibility in vivo.
- The biphasic scaffold successfully supported rabbit chondrocyte growth, confirmed by Safranin-O and type II collagen staining.
Conclusions:
- The BMG/PPCLM biphasic scaffold possesses excellent mechanical properties and biocompatibility.
- This scaffold is a promising candidate for annulus fibrosus repair and the treatment of intervertebral disc degeneration.
