Journal article
Sacrificial Fibers Improve Matrix Distribution and Micromechanical Properties in a Tissue-Engineered Intervertebral Disc
Acta biomaterialia, v 111, pp 232-241
15 Jul 2020
PMID: 32447064
Featured in Collection : UN Sustainable Development Goals @ Drexel
Abstract
Tissue-engineered replacement discs are an area of intense investigation for the treatment of end-stage intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration. These living implants can integrate into the IVD space and recapitulate native motion segment function. We recently developed a multiphasic tissue-engineered disc-like angle-ply structure (DAPS) that models the micro-architectural and functional features of native tissue. While these implants resulted in functional restoration of the motion segment in rat and caprine models, we also noted deficiencies in cell infiltration and homogeneity of matrix deposition in the electrospun poly(epsilon-caprolactone) outer region (annulus fibrosus, AF) of the DAPS. To address this limitation, here, we incorporated a sacrificial water-soluble polymer, polyethylene oxide (PEO), as a second fiber fraction within the AF region to increase porosity of the implant. Maturation of these PEO-modified DAPS were evaluated after 5 and 10 weeks of in vitro culture in terms of AF biochemical content, MRI T2 values, overall construct mechanical properties, AF micromechanical properties and cell and matrix distribution. To assess the performance of the PEO-modified DAPS in vivo, precultured constructs were implanted into the rat caudal IVD space for 10 weeks. Results showed that matrix distribution was more homogenous in PCL/PEO DAPS, as evidenced by more robust histological staining, organized collagen deposition and micromechanical properties, compared to standard PCL-only DAPS in vitro. Cell and matrix infiltration were also improved in vivo, but no differences in macromechanical properties and a trend towards improved micromechanical properties were observed. These findings demonstrate that the inclusion of a sacrificial PEO fiber fraction in the DAPS AF region improves cellular colonization, matrix elaboration, and in vitro and in vivo function of an engineered IVD implant.
Statement of significance
This work establishes a method for improving cell infiltration and matrix distribution within tissue-engineered dense fibrous scaffolds for intervertebral disc replacement. Tissue-engineered whole disc replacements are an attractive alternative to the current gold standard (mechanical disc arthroplasty or vertebral fusion) for the clinical treatment of patients with advanced disc degeneration. (C) 2020 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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Details
- Title
- Sacrificial Fibers Improve Matrix Distribution and Micromechanical Properties in a Tissue-Engineered Intervertebral Disc
- Creators
- Beth G. Ashinsky - Drexel UniversitySarah E. Gullbrand - Corporal Michael J Crescenz VA Med Ctr, Translat Musculoskeletal Res Ctr, Philadelphia, PA USAEdward D. Bonnevie - Translational Musculoskeletal Research Center, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA; McKay Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA.Chao Wang - Drexel UniversityDong Hwa Kim - Translational Musculoskeletal Research Center, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA; McKay Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA.Lin Han - Drexel UniversityRobert L. Mauck - Translational Musculoskeletal Research Center, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA; McKay Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA.Harvey E. Smith - University of Pennsylvania
- Publication Details
- Acta biomaterialia, v 111, pp 232-241
- Publisher
- Elsevier
- Number of pages
- 10
- Grant note
- F30 AG0 60670 / National Institute on Aging of the National Institutes of Health; United States Department of Health & Human Services; National Institutes of Health (NIH) - USA; NIH National Institute on Aging (NIA) F32 AR072478 / National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases; United States Department of Health & Human Services; National Institutes of Health (NIH) - USA; NIH National Institute of Arthritis & Musculoskeletal & Skin Diseases (NIAMS) P30 AR069619 / Penn Center for Musculoskeletal Disorders (NIH); United States Department of Health & Human Services; National Institutes of Health (NIH) - USA IK1 RX002445; IK2 RX0 01476; IK6 RX0 03416; IK2 RX003118; I01 RX001321; I01 RX002274 / Department of Veterans Affairs; US Department of Veterans Affairs
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Science, and Health Systems
- Web of Science ID
- WOS:000543452700018
- Scopus ID
- 2-s2.0-85086031806
- Other Identifier
- 991019168209304721
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- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- Web of Science research areas
- Engineering, Biomedical
- Materials Science, Biomaterials