Inflammation-sensitive engineered hydrogel for spinal disc repair in rats with disc degeneration

Over 500 million people globally are affected by intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD), a major cause of chronic low back pain.

• An injectable collagen-hyaluronic acid hydrogel was engineered to promote nucleus pulposus regeneration.
• The hydrogel gelled rapidly in approximately 3 minutes at 37 °C and exhibited a high compressive strength of 35 kPa.
• Sustained drug release was observed, with 60% of resveratrol released over 96 hours from the supramolecular complex.
• In vitro studies indicated enhanced cell proliferation, over 90% cell viability, and reduced levels of inflammation markers.
• In vivo results showed improved disc height index and increased expression of collagen type II and aggrecan mRNA after 8 weeks.

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