Injectable Cell Therapy for Degenerative Disc DiseaseRichard MelpignanoDegenerative Disc DiseaseThe natural degeneration of the Intervertebral Discs (IVD) and nucleus pulposus (NP), which is the spinal cords jelly-like shock absorberMost commonly affects lumbar & cervical regions in older patientsCan lead to Osteoarthritis (the breakdown of protective cartilage), herniated discs, and spinal stenosis TreatmentInjection of NP cells inside a liquid suspension directly into IVDPurpose is to promote tissue regenerationCurrent liquid delivery medium is ineffective; can only hold cells in place for 3-4 daysAdvancementsIn July 2021, Researchers from Duke University created a new biomaterial suspension for NP injectionMade up of the chemically modified protein laminin-111 and two polyethylene glycol hydrogels Injected as a liquid and quickly forms into a gelGel mimics laminin (protein native to NP). This ensures persistence and biosynthesis of the injected NP cells ProcedureAll three substances are injected directly into affected IVDTakes about a minute to inject, 5 minutes to begin to solidify, and 20 minutes to completely setResultsLuciferase biomarkers used to track migration of injected cellsTwo weeks after injection, significantly more cells remained in place when delivered within the biomaterial suspension in comparison to the traditional liquid suspension FutureStill much work to be done; not yet practical for use on humansInjection sites are still not large enough to deliver NP cells to larger IVD sites that are present in humans (in comparison to mice used in tests)Additional studies that evaluate disc height or matrix hydration following cell delivery would further optimize this treatmentWorks CitedAubrey T. Francisco, Robert J. Mancino, Robby D. Bowles, Jonathan M. Brunger, David M. Tainter, Yi-Te Chen, William J. Richardson, Farshid Guilak, Lori A. Setton, Injectable laminin-functionalized hydrogel for nucleus pulposus regeneration, Biomaterials, Volume 34, Issue 30, October 2021, Pages 7381-7388, ISSN 0142-9612, :/10.1016/j.biomaterials.2021.06.038.Cell Therapies May Stop or Reverse Pain and Disability of Degenerative Disc Disease. Cell Therapies May Stop or Reverse Pain and Disability of Degenerative Disc Disease. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Nov. 2021. Degenerative Disc Disease-Topic Overview. WebMD. WebMD, 07 Jan. 0000. Web. 17 Nov. 2021. .Duke University. Bioengineers develop new approach to regenerate back discs. ScienceDaily, 16 Jul. 2021. Web. 17 Nov. 2021.