Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 3, 2026

Imaging Cell Viability on Non-transparent Scaffolds — Using the Example of a Novel Knitted Titanium Implant
Published on: September 7, 2016
Engineered Cell Membrane-Coated Keratin Nanoparticles Attenuated Intervertebral Disc Degeneration by Remodeling the
Hongyuan Xing1, Run Li1, Zizhan Huang1
1Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China.
None:
Characterized by a cascade of profound changes in nucleus pulposus (NP) cells, extracellular matrix (ECM), and biomechanics, intervertebral disc degeneration is a common multifactorial condition that may lead to various degenerative lumbar disorders. Therapeutic strategies targeting a single factor have shown limited efficacy in treating disc degeneration, and approaches that address multiple pathological ingredients are barely reported. In this study, engineered cell membrane-encapsulated keratin nanoparticles are developed to simultaneously alleviate NP cell senescence and promote ECM remodeling. To achieve this, salivary acid glycoengineered adipose mesenchymal stem cell membranes are used to coat keratin, a core protein for structural support and cellular protection. The synthesized cell membrane-coated keratin nanoparticles (MKNs) effectively protected mitochondrial integrity in NP cells from oxidative stress-induced damage. Moreover, MKNs modulate mitochondrial metabolism and attenuate NP cell senescence. In addition, MKNs activate integrins at the cell membrane and enhance the interactions between NP cells and ECM, resulting in increased ECM anabolism and decreased catabolism. The proposed multi-targeted strategy to block the degenerative cycle inside the disc is efficacious for treating disc degeneration and may have the potential for clinical application.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Herniated Intervertebral Disc l: Introduction
Degenerative Disc Disease I: Introduction
Degenerative Disc Disease ll: Pathophysiology

