Polymeric hydrogels and decellularized nucleus pulposus extracellular matrix technology for nucleus pulposus repair and regeneration

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) presents in a variety of ways and is first manifested by loss of nucleus pulposus (NP) cells, so replenishing NP cells is the key to IVDD treatment. The intensive research into the application of polymer materials and the booming development of decellularization technology offers new hope for patients in relieving pain, replacing damaged nucleus pulposus tissue, reversing degenerative disc cascades, maintaining mechanical properties of the spine and even improving conditions. In this review paper, we first briefly describe the anatomy of intervertebral disc (IVD) and the limitations of traditional therapeutic approaches for IVDD, and then focus on a review of research advances in materials for IVD repair and regeneration including polymeric hydrogels and decellularized nucleus pulposus extracellular matrix (dNP-ECM) technology. Hydrogel material is an ideal polymer material for NP repair, with good mechanical properties. At the same time, dNP-ECM scaffold, as a repair material with low immunogenicity, has attracted increasing attention in the field of IVD regeneration. Although these technologies are not yet widely available for clinical use, these treatment strategies may be a promising alternative approach to IVDD treatment and have great research value.