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European Spine Journal
Published in: European Spine Journal 1/2014

Open Access 01-01-2014 | EUROSPINE 2013 Full Paper Award

In vivo biofunctional evaluation of hydrogels for disc regeneration

Authors: Sandra Reitmaier, Ludwika Kreja, Katharina Gruchenberg, Britta Kanter, Joana Silva-Correia, Joaquim Miguel Oliveira, Rui Luís Reis, Valeria Perugini, Matteo Santin, Anita Ignatius, Hans-Joachim Wilke

Published in: European Spine Journal | Issue 1/2014

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Abstract

Purpose

Regenerative strategies aim to restore the original biofunctionality of the intervertebral disc. Different biomaterials are available, which might support disc regeneration. In the present study, the prospects of success of two hydrogels functionalized with anti-angiogenic peptides and seeded with bone marrow derived mononuclear cells (BMC), respectively, were investigated in an ovine nucleotomy model.

Methods

In a one-step procedure iliac crest aspirates were harvested and, subsequently, separated BMC were seeded on hydrogels and implanted into the ovine disc. For the cell-seeded approach a hyaluronic acid-based hydrogel was used. The anti-angiogenic potential of newly developed VEGF-blockers was investigated on ionically crosslinked metacrylated gellan gum hydrogels. Untreated discs served as nucleotomy controls. 24 adult merino sheep were used. After 6 weeks histological, after 12 weeks histological and biomechanical analyses were conducted.

Results

Biomechanical tests revealed no differences between any of the implanted and nucleotomized discs. All implanted discs significantly degenerated compared to intact discs. In contrast, there was no marked difference between implanted and nucleotomized discs. In tendency, albeit not significant, degeneration score and disc height index deteriorated for all but not for the cell-seeded hydrogels from 6 to 12 weeks. Cell-seeded hydrogels slightly decelerated degeneration.

Conclusions

None of the hydrogel configurations was able to regenerate biofunctionality of the intervertebral disc. This might presumably be caused by hydrogel extrusion. Great importance should be given to the development of annulus sealants, which effectively exploit the potential of (cell-seeded) hydrogels for biological disc regeneration and restoration of intervertebral disc functioning.
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Metadata
Title
In vivo biofunctional evaluation of hydrogels for disc regeneration
Authors
Sandra Reitmaier
Ludwika Kreja
Katharina Gruchenberg
Britta Kanter
Joana Silva-Correia
Joaquim Miguel Oliveira
Rui Luís Reis
Valeria Perugini
Matteo Santin
Anita Ignatius
Hans-Joachim Wilke
Publication date
01-01-2014
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
European Spine Journal / Issue 1/2014
Print ISSN: 0940-6719
Electronic ISSN: 1432-0932
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-013-2998-8

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