Design of cell-instructive biomaterial scaffolds for intervertebral disc regeneration

Biomaterials-based therapies targeting the nucleus pulposus (NP) have the potential to promote regeneration and restore mechanical function to the intervertebral disc. This study developed composite hydrogels incorporating decellularized NP (DNP) and assessed its effects on viability, retention and differentiation of U-CH1 cells, an NP progenitor-like cell line. A minimal protocol was developed to decellularize bovine NP that reduced nuclear content while preserving key extracellular matrix components predicted to be favourable for bioactivity. The resulting DNP demonstrated cell-instructive effects, supporting U-CH1 viability and retention within the hydrogels, and promoted the differentiation of the progenitor-like cells towards an NP-like phenotype. These studies established a 3D platform that mimics the native NP microenvironment and holds promise for applications in cell culture and delivery. Further in vitro studies using this system will provide valuable insight into the effects of tissue-specific extracellular matrix on NP progenitor cell fate