Injectable PLGA Microscaffolds with Laser-Induced Enhanced Microporosity for Nucleus Pulposus Cell Delivery.
Publication Year:
2025
PubMed ID:
39282818
Funding Grants:
Public Summary:
Lower back pain is often caused by the breakdown of the cushions between our spinal bones, known as spinal discs. While injecting healthy cells into these damaged discs could help heal them, the cells usually die off quickly or float away because the inside of a spinal disc is such a harsh, cramped environment. To solve this, scientists used advanced lasers to sculpt tiny, porous plastic "microscaffolds" that act like protective, microscopic texturized cradles for the new cells. These micro-cradles give the cells a safe surface to cling to and grow on, yet they are still small enough to be injected directly into the spine through a tiny needle without crushing the cells inside. By keeping the healing cells alive, healthy, and locked in place exactly where they are needed, this new technique could finally provide a minimally invasive way to actually repair damaged discs rather than just masking the pain
Scientific Abstract:
Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is a leading cause of lower back pain (LBP). Current treatments primarily address symptoms without halting the degenerative process. Cell transplantation offers a promising approach for early-stage IVD degeneration, but challenges such as cell viability, retention, and harsh host environments limit its efficacy. This study aimed to compare the injectability and biocompatibility of human nucleus pulposus cells (hNPC) attached to two types of microscaffolds designed for minimally invasive delivery to IVD. Microscaffolds are developed from poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) using electrospinning and femtosecond laser structuration. These microscaffolds are tested for their physical properties, injectability, and biocompatibility. This study evaluates cell adhesion, proliferation, and survival in vitro and ex vivo within a hydrogel-based nucleus pulposus model. The microscaffolds demonstrate enhanced surface architecture, facilitating cell adhesion and proliferation. Laser structuration improved porosity, supporting cell attachment and extracellular matrix deposition. Injectability tests show that microscaffolds can be delivered through small-gauge needles with minimal force, maintaining high cell viability. The findings suggest that laser-structured PLGA microscaffolds are viable for minimally invasive cell delivery. These microscaffolds enhance cell viability and retention, offering potential improvements in the therapeutic efficiency of cell-based treatments for discogenic LBP.