Bmc Musculoskel Dis
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Bmc Musculoskel Dis · Jan 2012
Rheological and biological properties of a hydrogel support for cells intended for intervertebral disc repair.
Cell-based approaches towards restoration of prolapsed or degenerated intervertebral discs are hampered by a lack of measures for safe administration and placement of cell suspensions within a treated disc. In order to overcome these risks, a serum albumin-based hydrogel has been developed that polymerizes after injection and anchors the administered cell suspension within the tissue. ⋯ The data demonstrate that the hydrogels form stable implants capable to contain a specifically functional cell population within a physiological environment.