Recent Progress in Electrospun Nanofiber-Based Degenerated Intervertebral Disc Repair

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Orthopedic Research

Background:

• Intervertebral disc degeneration involves annulus fibrosus fissure and nucleus pulposus fibrosis.
• Current treatments include surgery and drugs, with limited regenerative capacity.
• Tissue engineering offers a multidisciplinary approach for disc repair and regeneration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and summarize advancements in electrospun nanofiber scaffolds for intervertebral disc repair.
• To discuss methods for improving scaffold fabrication, material selection, and integration with other technologies.
• To evaluate the potential of these scaffolds for clinical applications in treating disc degeneration.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of intervertebral disc scaffolds mimicking natural extracellular matrix fiber arrangement.
• Utilizing electrospun nanofibers for annulus fibrosus and nucleus pulposus repair.
• Incorporating nanofiber-reinforced hydrogels to enhance scaffold properties.
• Exploring disc-like angle-ply structures and other advanced fabrication techniques.

Main Results:

• Electrospun nanofibers offer advantages for repairing degenerated intervertebral discs.
• Optimized nanofiber alignment, material selection, and additive loading improve scaffold performance.
• Nanofiber-reinforced hydrogels enhance mechanical properties and biocompatibility of nucleus pulposus scaffolds.
• Emerging fabrication methods enable the creation of complete intervertebral disc scaffolds.

Conclusions:

• Electrospun nanofiber intervertebral disc scaffolds represent a promising therapeutic strategy.
• These scaffolds have significant potential for clinical application in treating disc degeneration.
• Continued research in fabrication and material science will further advance their efficacy.