Rejuvenation of the Intervertebral Disc Using Self-Healing Biomimetic Extracellular Matrix Biomaterial Tissue Adhesives

2026-07-22

Lower back pain is a global epidemiological and socioeconomic problem. This project envisions a future whereby patients with degenerated intervertebral discs are injected with a self-healing biomimetic adhesive biomaterial which can restore both the biochemical and biomechanical properties to native tissue levels. Current surgical procedures do not replace herniated tissue from the central nucleus pulposus or repair the annulus fibrosus (outer ring of tissue), which can lead to accelerated degeneration, reherniation and recurrent pain. Spinal fusion, whereby the compromised or degenerated tissue is removed, and the vertebral segments are fused together, does not restore biomechanical function leading to degeneration of adjacent discs with long-term failure rates as high as 40%. My lab has developed a biomimetic injectable hydrogel (iDISC) consisting of the main components (collagen and chondroitin sulfate) of native disc tissue that can be tailored to match the biochemical and biomechanical properties of native disc tissue. In addition, the iDISC hydrogel demonstrates self-healing and adhesive properties to facilitate tissue integration and exhibits excellent cell biocompatibility. The objective of this proposal is to perform in depth in vitro characterisation (WP1), multiaxial biomechanical testing (WP2), pre-clinical evaluation (WP3) and marketing and commercialisation evaluation (WP4). The development of these injectable biomimetic hydrogel systems may facilitate earlier interventions aimed at halting the degenerative process, restore natural biomechanical function, enhancing patient accessibility, improving quality of life, reduce healthcare expenses and lost productivity in the European Union. The platform technology and knowledge generated through this research are beyond the current state-of-the-art and will provide a significant transformative scientific and clinical step change opening new horizons in minimally invasive spine treatment strategies.

Ireland

2025-10-01