Biomaterials for intervertebral disc regeneration: Current status and looming challenges

Abstract

A biomaterial-based strategy is employed to regenerate the degenerated intervertebral disc, which is considered a major generator of neck and back pain. Although encouraging enhancements in the anatomy and kinematics of the degenerative disc have been gained by biomaterials with various formulations in animals, the number of biomaterials tested in humans is rare. At present, most studies that involve the use of newly developed biomaterials focus on regeneration of the degenerative disc, but not pain relief. In this review, we summarise the current state of the art in the field of biomaterial-based regeneration or repair for the nucleus pulposus, annulus fibrosus, and total disc transplantation in animals and humans, and we then provide essential suggestions for the development and clinical translation of biomaterials for disc regeneration. It is important for researchers to consider the commonly neglected issues instead of concentrating solely on biomaterial development and fabrication.

The Immune Privilege of the Intervertebral Disc: Implications for Intervertebral Disc Degeneration Treatment

“…Current strategies for IVD degeneration management include conservative and surgical treatment [3]. Recently, biological options, such as biomaterials application, cell translation and genetic modification, have shown promising beneficial effects on IVD regeneration [4][5][6][7]. However, the pathologi-cal process of IVD degeneration is still not fully understood.…”

Intervertebral Disc Nucleus Repair: Hype or Hope?

“…The exclusive focus on the mechanical repair of NP is the prime suspect of the failure of NP repair strategies [10]. In order to overcome the inadequacies of current mechanical implants of the nucleus pulposus, there is a definite need to enhance long-term regeneration to achieve persistent repair, thereby preventing further degeneration [46]. Utilizing the principle of tissue engineering, in combination with biomaterials, cells and/or growth factors potentially aim to regain the functional potency of intervertebral discs [28,47,48,49,50].…”

Bandscheibenregeneration – Konzepte und Ergebnisse

“…Je nach therapeutischer Intention kommen verschiedenste Materialien zum Einsatz. Untersucht werden natürliche Polymere wie zum Beispiel Kollagene und Hyaluronsäuren [33] sowie synthetische Polymere in verschiedensten Ausführungen wie textiler Materialien für den Anulus fibrosus Verschluss [34] und in situ vernetzenden Hydrogelen für die Injektion in die Bandscheibe [35]. Neue Entwicklungen von Mikro-und Nanopartikeln eröffnen zudem neue Möglichkeiten in der kontrollierten Freisetzung von bioaktiven Faktoren und für den Gentransfer [20].…”