Small Methods, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown
Published: April 25, 2025
Abstract Degenerative disc disease (DDD) affects millions globally, with artificial total replacement (A‐TDR) emerging as a key surgical intervention to restore spinal function and mobility. Current implantable prostheses incorporating multi‐component architectures replicate the functional heterogeneity of natural intervertebral discs (IVD) face challenges in achieving mechanical physiological compatibility. Inspired by IVD's structure, where soft nucleus pulposus (NP) is encased tough annulus fibrosus (AF), water transport‐modulated directional annealing casting (DAC) approach has been developed construct bulk hydrogels tunable properties (up ≈36.69 MPa compressive strength ≈5.35 modulus). This strategy enables fabrication an integrated hydrogel‐based IVD (H‐IVD) biomechanically gradient structures, featuring high‐strength AF region (compressive modulus ≈2.77 MPa) seamlessly transitioning compliant NP core (modulus ≈0.26 while maintaining content throughout. The H‐IVD exhibits excellent biocompatibility load‐bearing capacity, inherent stress‐sensing capabilities enabling dynamic assessment biomechanics. Furthermore, this design demonstrates broad applicability for engineering various dimensionally‐controlled biomimetic tissues, from simple 1D structures complex 3D organs requiring precise spatial control material properties.
Language: Английский