Development and Translation of a Tissue-Engineered Disc in a Preclinical Rodent Model
Abstract
Disc injury through trauma, vibration loading, or mechanical overload, and the resulting disc degeneration in response to these insults over time are tremendous problems affecting the active and veteran military population. Current treatment options fail to restore disc structure and mechanical function. Our goal in this proposal is to develop methodologies for the engineering and implanting of a functional biologic disc replacement. Significant progress has been made in the last 12 months towards achieving this goal. For the in vitro component of the proposal, we have optimized HA hydrogels for NP tissue engineering, investigated the effects of physiologically accurate low-oxygen conditions on the biosynthetic properties of NP cells, optimized MSC seeding techniques to maximized cell infiltration and proliferation in DAPS AF constructs, fabricated complete DAPS comprised of a PCL nanofiber AF and a hyaluronic acid hydrogel NP, and designed and commencement of construction of a multi-axis bioreactor that will be used to enhance in vitro functional maturation. For the in vivo component of the proposal, we have undertaken extensive implantation of acellular AF DAPS constructs, and have successfully maintained disc height for several weeks. To overcome problems related to the construct migrating out of the disc space within a few days of implantation, we have designed and implemented a novel external fixator to stabilize the joint and facilitate long term integration with the adjacent vertebral bodies.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 29, 2012
- Accession Number
- ADA579190
Entities
People
- Dawn Elliott
- Nader Hebela
- Robert Mauck
Organizations
- University of Pennsylvania