Decellularized Nucleus Pulposus Matrix/Chitosan Hybrid Hydrogels for Nucleus Pulposus Tissue Engineering

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Tissue Engineering
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Degenerative disc disease affects millions globally, leading to nucleus pulposus (NP) degeneration.
• Current treatments for NP degeneration have limitations, highlighting the need for advanced tissue engineering solutions.
• Developing functional scaffolds is crucial for regenerating NP tissue and restoring spinal function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To fabricate and evaluate three distinct DNPM/chitosan hybrid hydrogels for NP tissue engineering.
• To determine the optimal DNPM/chitosan hybrid hydrogel composition for supporting NP cell growth and function.
• To assess the biocompatibility and efficacy of the selected hydrogel scaffold in vivo.

Main Methods:

• Three DNPM/chitosan hybrid hydrogels were synthesized with varying ratios of decellularized NP matrix to chitosan, crosslinked with genipin.
• Nucleus pulposus stem cells (NPSCs) were cultured on the hydrogels to assess proliferation, morphology, and gene expression.
• An in vivo study evaluated the immune response to the most promising hydrogel formulation.

Main Results:

• NPSCs cultured on the DNPM/chitosan hybrid hydrogels exhibited good proliferation and adherence.
• DNPM/chitosan hybrid hydrogel-1 significantly promoted higher gene expression of NP-related markers (collagen type II, aggrecan, Sox-9) compared to other formulations.
• In vivo evaluation of DNPM/chitosan hybrid hydrogel-1 showed minimal inflammatory cell infiltration, indicating good biocompatibility.

Conclusions:

• DNPM/chitosan hybrid hydrogel-1 is a promising scaffold for nucleus pulposus tissue engineering.
• The developed hydrogel supports NPSC proliferation and differentiation towards an NP-like phenotype.
• This hybrid hydrogel represents a potential therapeutic strategy for treating degenerative disc disease.