A novel natural ECM-derived biphasic scaffold for intervertebral disc tissue engineering

摘要

The tissue-engineered intervertebral disc (IVD) construct offers an alternative therapeutic possibility for symptomatic degenerative disc diseases. A porcine-derived acellular matrix as an integrated biphasic IVD scaffold was fabricated using an optimal decellularization procedure with a simple freeze-drying and cross-linking technique. The biphasic construct contained annulus fibrosus (AF) phase with cancellous bone matrix gelatin (CBMG) and the nucleus pulposus (NP) phase with cartilage extracellular matrix (CECM). In addition, this decellularized IVD scaffold possessed interconnected and tightly integrated porous microstructure (pore size of AF and NP phase at 401.4 ± 13.1 μm and 231.6 ± 57.2 μm, respectively), and had appropriate mechanical property. Histological results showed no residual cells remaining within the decellularized scaffold but abundant collagen proteins retained. Fluorescence microscope and scanning electron microscopy demonstrated that the novel scaffold could provide a suitable 3-D environment to support adhesion and proliferation of both AF and NP cells. In conclusion, this xenogenous ECM-derived IVD scaffold provides potential as an alternative for IVD tissue engineering.