Abstract
Low back pain caused by degenerative disc disease affects many people worldwide and brings huge economical burden. Thus, attentions have focused on annulus fibrosus (AF) tissue engineering for treatment of intervertebral disc degeneration. To engineer a functional replacement for the AF, it is important to fabricate scaffolds that mimic the structural and mechanical properties of native tissue. AF-derived stem cells are promising seed cells for AF tissue engineering due to their tissue specificity. In the present study, decellularized AF matrix (DAFM)/chitosan hybrid hydrogels were fabricated using genipin as a crosslinker. AF stem cells were cultured on hydrogel scaffolds with or without basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), and cell proliferation, morphology, gene expression, and AF tissue synthesis were examined. Overall, more collagen-I, collagen-II, and aggrecan were secreted by AF stem cells grown on hydrogels with bFGF compared to those without. These results support the application of DAFM/chitosan hybrid hydrogels as an appropriate candidate for AF tissue engineering. Furthermore, incorporation of bFGF into hydrogels promoted AF-related tissue synthesis.Impact StatementThe investigation of annulus fibrosus (AF)-related tissue secretion and gene expression in extracellular matrix (ECM) of AF-derived stem cells (AFSCs) provided theoretical and practical basis for the choice of scaffold materials and growth factors for AF tissue engineering. The innovations of the present work are obvious. First, AFSCs were used because they are more easily differentiated into AF cells, thereby producing more AF-related ECM. Second, the decellularized AF matrix (DAFM) was derived from native AF tissue, but had reduced immunogenicity after decellularization. Furthermore, the DAFM structure mimicked the fibrous network of actual AF tissue, which was advantageous to AFSC adhesion and growth. Third, basic fibroblast growth factor was successfully incorporated into the DAFM, showed gradual sustained release, and effectively promoted production of AF tissue ECM factors collagen-I, collagen-II, aggrecan, and glycosaminoglycan.
Highlights
Degenerative disc disease is a main cause of low back pain in middle-aged and elderly people, which seriously affects quality of life.[1]
decellularized AF matrix (DAFM)/chitosan hybrid hydrogels presented as porous three-dimensional networks through SEM image (Fig. 1)
This indicates that the DAFM/chitosan hybrid hydrogels could sustain continuous basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) release for at least a week (Fig. 3)
Summary
Degenerative disc disease is a main cause of low back pain in middle-aged and elderly people, which seriously affects quality of life.[1].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
