Growth differentiation factor-5-gelatin methacryloyl injectable microspheres laden with adipose-derived stem cells for repair of disc degeneration.

Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.

• Level A · Stronger Clinical Evidence
• Level B · Emerging clinical evidence with positive signals
• Level C · Early human research exploring benefits
• Level D · Scientific groundwork from lab and animal studies
• Emerging · Emerging topic under active research

Abstract (original English)

Nucleus pulposus (NP) degeneration is the major cause of degenerative disc disease (DDD). This condition cannot be treated or attenuated by traditional open or minimally invasive surgical options. However, a combination of stem cells, growth factors (GFs) and biomaterials present a viable option for regeneration. Injectable biomaterials act as carriers for controlled release of GFs and deliver stem cells to target tissues through a minimally invasive approach. In this study, injectable gelatin methacryloyl microspheres (GMs) with controllable, uniform particle sizes were rapidly biosynthesized through a low-cost electrospraying method. The GMs were used as delivery vehicles for cells and GFs, and they exhibited good mechanical properties and biocompatibility and enhanced the in vitro differentiation of laden cells into NP-like phenotypes. Furthermore, this integrated system attenuated the in vivo degeneration of rat intervertebral discs, maintained NP tissue integrity and accelerated the synthesis of extracellular matrix. Therefore, this novel therapeutic system is a promising option for the treatment of DDD.

Evidence level

Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.

Browse all related research

Filter the research library by this study's title keywords, author, or publication year.