Site-Directed Differentiation of Human Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells to Nucleus Pulposus Cells Using an Injectable Hydroxyl-Functional Diblock Copolymer Worm Gel

Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) have been identified for their promising therapeutic potential to regenerate and repopulate the degenerate intervertebral disk (IVD), which is a major cause of lower back pain. The optimal cell delivery system remains elusive but encapsulation within scaffolds likely offer decisive advantage over in solution by ensuring successful retention tissue. Herein, we evaluate use fully synthetic, thermoresponsive poly(glycerol monomethacrylate)-poly(2-hydroxypropyl methacrylate) (PGMA-PHPMA) diblock copolymer worm gel that mimics structure hydrophilic glycosaminoglycans. objective was this direct differentiation human ASCs toward nucleus pulposus (NP) phenotype, with or without addition discogenic growth factors TGFβ GDF6. Accordingly, were incorporated into cold, free-flowing aqueous dispersion copolymer, gelation induced warming 37 °C culture conducted 14 days such assess expression characteristic NP markers compared those produced when using collagen gels. In principle, shear-thinning nature biocompatible enables encapsulated be injected IVD 21G needle. Moreover, find significantly higher gene levels ACAN, SOX-9, KRT8, KR18 gels scaffolds, regardless employed. summary, wholly synthetic considerable as an injectable scaffold treatment disease promoting transition NP-phenotype.