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Advances in Tissue Engineering Approaches to Treatment of Intervertebral Disc Degeneration: Cells and Polymeric Scaffolds for Nucleus Pulposus Regeneration

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Polymers in Nanomedicine

Part of the book series: Advances in Polymer Science ((POLYMER,volume 247))

Abstract

Synthetic polymers and biopolymers are extensively used within the field of tissue engineering. Some common examples of these materials include polylactic acid, polyglycolic acid, collagen, elastin, and various forms of polysaccharides. In terms of application, these materials are primarily used in the construction of scaffolds that aid in the local delivery of cells and growth factors, and in many cases fulfill a mechanical role in supporting physiologic loads that would otherwise be supported by a healthy tissue. In this review we will examine the development of scaffolds derived from biopolymers and their use with various cell types in the context of tissue engineering the nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral disc.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Bioengineering, Clemson University, 311 Rhodes Center, Clemson, SC, 29634, USA

    Jeremy J. Mercuri

  2. Department of Bioengineering, Clemson University, 304 Rhodes Annex, Clemson, SC, 29634, USA

    Dan T. Simionescu

Authors
  1. Jeremy J. Mercuri
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  2. Dan T. Simionescu
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Correspondence to Dan T. Simionescu .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Dept. of Polymer Science and Engineering, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Goshokaido-cho, Matsugasaki, Kyoto, 606-8585, Japan

    Shigeru Kunugi

  2. Department of Biomedical Engineering, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Cen, Fujisirodai 5-7-1, Osaka, 565-8565, Japan

    Tetsuji Yamaoka

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© 2011 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg

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Mercuri, J.J., Simionescu, D.T. (2011). Advances in Tissue Engineering Approaches to Treatment of Intervertebral Disc Degeneration: Cells and Polymeric Scaffolds for Nucleus Pulposus Regeneration. In: Kunugi, S., Yamaoka, T. (eds) Polymers in Nanomedicine. Advances in Polymer Science, vol 247. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/12_2011_149

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