ROS-scavenging microspheres loaded with extracellular vesicles for intervertebral disc degeneration therapy

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is a major cause of back pain, driven by oxidative stress and inflammation.
• Current treatments for IVDD have limited efficacy, necessitating the development of new therapeutic strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the protective effects of antioxidant hydrogel microspheres containing black phosphorus (BP) nanosheets and extracellular vesicles (EVs) against IVDD.
• To evaluate the therapeutic potential of the EVs@BPMS system in vitro and in vivo.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of EVs@BPMS using microfluidic technology.
• In vitro assessment of antioxidant capacity, ROS scavenging, cellular senescence, and extracellular matrix homeostasis in nucleus pulposus cells.
• Transcriptomic analysis to elucidate anti-inflammatory mechanisms.
• In vivo evaluation in a rat model of IVDD.

Main Results:

• BP nanosheets enhanced the antioxidant properties of hydrogel microspheres.
• EVs@BPMS effectively scavenged ROS, reduced oxidative stress, and suppressed cellular senescence.
• The system restored extracellular matrix homeostasis and inhibited inflammation via the IL-17-ferroptosis pathway.
• In vivo studies showed significant attenuation of disc degeneration in rats.

Conclusions:

• EVs@BPMS demonstrate significant protective effects against IVDD by regulating oxidative stress and inflammation.
• The microsphere system shows potential for clinical application in treating degenerative disc disease.