Date of Award

2024

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Chemical Engineering (MSChE)

Department

Chemical Engineering

First Advisor

Jyothi Menon

Abstract

Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is a significant contributor to back pain and disability globally, necessitating advancements in treatment options. This thesis presents the development and characterization of a novel bioink to be used for generating 3D bioprinted tissue-engineered constructs of the nucleus pulposus (NP) region of the IVD. The bioink, a composite of methylcellulose (MC, 7 wt%), polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA, 15 wt%), and Lithium phenyl-2,4,6-trimethylbenzoylphosphinate (LAP, 0.1 wt%), is optimized for enhanced mechanical properties and cellular integration. Polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) nanoparticles were also incorporated in the hydrogel to potentially delivery growth factors in the future, which will support cell growth and differentiation over time.

Experimental findings demonstrated that the bioink formulation facilitated robust cell attachment and proliferation and supported greater than 85% cell viability when cells were treated with leachates collected from the hydrogel over 5 months. The printed constructs exhibited a compressive modulus of 6.26±2.34 kPa, closely mirroring the natural mechanical behavior of the human NP. Additionally, the introduction of poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) nanoparticles did not adversely affect the mechanical integrity of the constructs, ensuring their potential for long-term functionality within the IVD.

These results underline the potential of the developed bioink and 3D printing approach for fabricating IVD implants that closely replicate the mechanical and biological properties of the NP, offering a promising direction for regenerative treatments aimed at mitigating the impacts of IVD degeneration. This research contributes to the tissue engineering field by providing a viable pathway toward personalized, effective solutions for back pain relief and spinal health restoration.

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