Silk fibroin-based biomaterials for disc tissue engineering.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Orthopedics

Background:

• Low back pain is a leading global disability, with intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) as a primary cause.
• Current treatments for IVDD lack regenerative capabilities, highlighting the need for novel therapeutic approaches.
• Disc tissue engineering (DTE) presents a promising strategy to address the limitations of existing IVDD treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the anatomical and physiological aspects of the intervertebral disc (IVD).
• To outline the etiology and current treatment landscape for IVDD.
• To highlight the potential of silk fibroin (SF) as a biomaterial in DTE for IVDD.

Main Methods:

• Review of anatomical and physiological features of the IVD.
• Analysis of the etiology and current treatment modalities for IVDD.
• Examination of the characteristics and recent advancements of SF in DTE applications.

Main Results:

• Silk fibroin (SF) possesses favorable properties for tissue engineering applications.
• SF has been explored in various DTE strategies, including scaffolds and delivery systems.
• Research indicates SF's potential for regenerating IVD tissue.

Conclusions:

• SF is a versatile biomaterial with significant potential in DTE for treating IVDD.
• Further research and development are needed to overcome challenges and facilitate clinical translation of SF-based DTE.
• Advancing SF applications in DTE could lead to effective interventions for low back pain caused by IVDD.