Research progress in decellularized extracellular matrix hydrogels for intervertebral disc degeneration.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Orthopedics

Background:

• Low back pain (LBP) is a prevalent disorder significantly impacting quality of life and incurring substantial socioeconomic costs.
• Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is a primary cause of LBP, with current treatments offering limited efficacy.
• Existing advanced therapies like gene, growth factor, and cell therapies have inherent limitations for IDD treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the classification, production, and gel formation methods of hydrogels for IDD treatment.
• To detail recent research (last three years) on decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM) hydrogels for IDD.
• To provide a comprehensive summary of dECM hydrogels in IDD, offering a reference for future studies.

Main Methods:

• Overview of material sources, decellularization techniques, and hydrogel formation processes.
• Focus on recent studies utilizing bovine and porcine nucleus pulposus (NP) tissues.
• Application of combined decellularization approaches and polymer cross-linking for enhanced properties.

Main Results:

• dECM hydrogels exhibit improved mechanical properties post-cross-linking.
• These hydrogels effectively induce stem cell differentiation into intervertebral disc (IVD) cells.
• Restoration of IVD height and sustained release of exosomes were observed.

Conclusions:

• dECM hydrogels represent a promising therapeutic strategy for IDD.
• Further research is needed to address current challenges and optimize dECM hydrogel applications.
• This review provides a foundational understanding for advancing dECM hydrogel-based IDD treatments.