Injectable Cell-Laden Nanofibrous Matrix for Treating Annulus Fibrosus Defects in Porcine Model: An Organ Culture...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Orthopedics

Background:

• Lower back pain is often caused by intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration, specifically the annulus fibrosus (AF) and nucleus pulposus (NP).
• Current treatments for IVD failure have limitations, driving the need for non-invasive regenerative strategies.
• Developing effective repair methods is crucial due to the high socioeconomic cost and quality of life impact of lower back pain.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the regenerative potential of an injectable matrix repair strategy for annulus fibrosus (AF) defects.
• To assess the efficacy of a collagen type-I and polycaprolactone nanofibers (PNCOL) construct with encapsulated fibroblasts in ex vivo porcine IVD organ cultures.
• To determine if PNCOL treatment can promote AF tissue regeneration and reduce herniation risk.

Main Methods:

• Ex vivo organ culturing of porcine intervertebral discs (IVDs) with induced AF injuries.
• Treatment of AF defects with an injectable PNCOL matrix containing fibroblast cells.
• Assessment of regenerative capacity using gross optical imaging, MRI, histology, and RT-qPCR after 14 days of culture.

Main Results:

• PNCOL-treated AF defects showed complete recovery and regeneration.
• Significant upregulation of AF extracellular matrix markers (Collagen-I, Aggrecan, Scleraxis, Tenascin) was observed.
• Increased expression of anti-inflammatory markers (CD206, IL10) indicated a favorable regenerative environment.

Conclusions:

• The PNCOL injectable matrix effectively regenerates AF tissue at injury sites.
• This strategy contributes to decreased herniation risk and improved potential surgical outcomes.
• PNCOL offers a promising non-invasive therapeutic approach for treating intervertebral disc injuries.