Engineering extracellular matrix-based hydrogels for intervertebral disc regeneration
Lower back pain (LBP) is a major health concern, especially in older adults. A key aetiological factor is intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration. It is mediated by dysregulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) and inflammation. In recent years, regenerative therapies have garnered attention for their...
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Frontiers Media S.A.
2025-05-01
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| Series: | Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology |
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| Online Access: | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbioe.2025.1601154/full |
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| author | Mwafaq Kmail Rusydi Razak Isma Liza Mohd Isa Isma Liza Mohd Isa |
| author_facet | Mwafaq Kmail Rusydi Razak Isma Liza Mohd Isa Isma Liza Mohd Isa |
| author_sort | Mwafaq Kmail |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Lower back pain (LBP) is a major health concern, especially in older adults. A key aetiological factor is intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration. It is mediated by dysregulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) and inflammation. In recent years, regenerative therapies have garnered attention for their potential to restore disc function by addressing the underlying biological alterations within the IVD. This review focuses on the comprehensive understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the IVD, highlighting its life cycle from embryonic development, and maturation to degenerative phenotype. We describe current treatments for managing LBP caused by IVD degeneration. This review emphasizes on the recent advancements in hydrogel engineering, highlighting natural, synthetic, and composite hydrogels and their application in ECM-targeted regenerative therapy for IVD degeneration. By exploring innovations in hydrogel technology, including improvements in crosslinking techniques and controlled degradation rates—we discuss how these materials could enhance IVD regeneration and potentially be used for the management of LBP. With their enhanced biomimicry, hydrogel-based ECM mimics offer a promising pathway for developing effective, durable therapies that address the root causes of disc degeneration, providing new hope for individuals living with chronic LBP. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-76d52bbd617247c78baf21db856a72fe |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2296-4185 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-05-01 |
| publisher | Frontiers Media S.A. |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology |
| spelling | doaj-art-76d52bbd617247c78baf21db856a72fe2025-08-20T03:51:59ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology2296-41852025-05-011310.3389/fbioe.2025.16011541601154Engineering extracellular matrix-based hydrogels for intervertebral disc regenerationMwafaq Kmail0Rusydi Razak1Isma Liza Mohd Isa2Isma Liza Mohd Isa3Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan, Kuala Lumpur, MalaysiaDepartment of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan, Kuala Lumpur, MalaysiaDepartment of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan, Kuala Lumpur, MalaysiaCÚRAM Research Ireland Centre for Medical Devices, School of Medicine, University of Galway, Galway, IrelandLower back pain (LBP) is a major health concern, especially in older adults. A key aetiological factor is intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration. It is mediated by dysregulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) and inflammation. In recent years, regenerative therapies have garnered attention for their potential to restore disc function by addressing the underlying biological alterations within the IVD. This review focuses on the comprehensive understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the IVD, highlighting its life cycle from embryonic development, and maturation to degenerative phenotype. We describe current treatments for managing LBP caused by IVD degeneration. This review emphasizes on the recent advancements in hydrogel engineering, highlighting natural, synthetic, and composite hydrogels and their application in ECM-targeted regenerative therapy for IVD degeneration. By exploring innovations in hydrogel technology, including improvements in crosslinking techniques and controlled degradation rates—we discuss how these materials could enhance IVD regeneration and potentially be used for the management of LBP. With their enhanced biomimicry, hydrogel-based ECM mimics offer a promising pathway for developing effective, durable therapies that address the root causes of disc degeneration, providing new hope for individuals living with chronic LBP.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbioe.2025.1601154/fullintervertebral disc degenerationlower back painhydrogelextracellular matrixbiomaterials |
| spellingShingle | Mwafaq Kmail Rusydi Razak Isma Liza Mohd Isa Isma Liza Mohd Isa Engineering extracellular matrix-based hydrogels for intervertebral disc regeneration Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology intervertebral disc degeneration lower back pain hydrogel extracellular matrix biomaterials |
| title | Engineering extracellular matrix-based hydrogels for intervertebral disc regeneration |
| title_full | Engineering extracellular matrix-based hydrogels for intervertebral disc regeneration |
| title_fullStr | Engineering extracellular matrix-based hydrogels for intervertebral disc regeneration |
| title_full_unstemmed | Engineering extracellular matrix-based hydrogels for intervertebral disc regeneration |
| title_short | Engineering extracellular matrix-based hydrogels for intervertebral disc regeneration |
| title_sort | engineering extracellular matrix based hydrogels for intervertebral disc regeneration |
| topic | intervertebral disc degeneration lower back pain hydrogel extracellular matrix biomaterials |
| url | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbioe.2025.1601154/full |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT mwafaqkmail engineeringextracellularmatrixbasedhydrogelsforintervertebraldiscregeneration AT rusydirazak engineeringextracellularmatrixbasedhydrogelsforintervertebraldiscregeneration AT ismalizamohdisa engineeringextracellularmatrixbasedhydrogelsforintervertebraldiscregeneration AT ismalizamohdisa engineeringextracellularmatrixbasedhydrogelsforintervertebraldiscregeneration |