Cell-loaded gellan gum-based hydrogels for nucleus pulposus regeneration

[Excerpt] Limitations of current treatments for intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration encourage the development of tissue engineering approaches. Injectable hydrogels loaded with cells can be used as substitute material for the inner part of the IVD, the nucleus pulposus (NP), and provide an opportunity for minimally invasive treatment of IVD degeneration. The NP is populated by chondrocyte-like cells, therefore, chondrocytes or mesenchymal stemcells (MSC), stimulated to differentiate along the chondrogenic lineage could be used to promote NP regeneration.