laponite and Low-Back-Pain

We previously reported a synthetic Laponite® crosslinked pNIPAM-co-DMAc (L-pNIPAM-co-DMAc) hydrogel which promotes differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to nucleus pulposus (NP) cells without additional growth factors. The clinical success of this hydrogel is dependent on: integration with surrounding tissue; the capacity to restore mechanical function; as well as supporting the viability and differentiation of delivered MSCs. Bovine NP tissue explants were injected with media (control), human MSCs (hMSCs) alone, acellular L-pNIPAM-co-DMAc hydrogel or hMSCs incorporated within the L-pNIPAM-co-DMAc hydrogel and maintained at 5% O. Low back pain (LBP) is associated with degeneration of the intervertebral disc (IVD). We have previously described development of a jelly delivery system (hydrogel). This has the potential to deliver adult stem cells to the centre of the IVD, known as the nucleus pulposus (NP). Here, we have demonstrated that adult stem cells can be safely injected into the NP using small bore needles, reducing damage to the disc. Following injection the hydrogel integrates with surrounding NP tissue, promotes differentiation of stem cells towards disc cells and restores IVD mechanical function. The hydrogel could be used to restore mechanical function to the IVD and deliver cells to promote regeneration of the disc as a minimally invasive treatment for LBP.

Topics: Animals; Cattle; Cell Differentiation; Hydrogels; Intervertebral Disc; Low Back Pain; Mesenchymal Stem Cells; Silicates