Technische Universiteit Eindhoven

Rwth Aachen

Keita Ito

Corrinus Cornelis Van Donkelaar

Stefan Antonius Henricus De Vries

Tim Bolle

A notochordal cell matrix solution as a bioactive lubricant in the treatment of Osteoarthritis, more specifically for use as a bioactive lubricant in viscosupplementation. The notochordal cell matrix solution is capable of reducing the pain in osteoarthritic joints.

Notochordal cell matrix as a bioactive lubricant for the osteoarthritic joint

A solubilized notochordal cell matrix powder dissolved in a carrier solvent or formed as a gel is provided. The notochordal cell matrix powder originates from lyophilized and treated porcine nucleus pulposus tissue containing notochordal cells. The powder contains less than 20% of porcine nucleid acids, and the powder contains a substantially unchanged amount of porcine protein content compared to the originating porcine nucleus pulposus tissue. The solubilized notochordal cell matrix powder is capable of stimulating native or stem cells to proliferate and produce a significant increase inglycosaminoglycansand type-II collagen matrix. Embodiments of the invention can be used for the disc regenerative treatment of discogenic back and neck pain in an orthopaedic and/or pharmaceutical setting/approach.

Notochordal cell matrix as a stimulant for intervertebral disc regeneration

An artificial cartilage is provided whereby a fixed negative charged hydrogel has been infused within a restrictive swelling network, which limits and restricts the thickness of the artificial cartilage. At least 60% of the volume of the artificial cartilage is composed of the restricted and swollen hydrogel. The restrictive swelling network restricts the hydrogel to swell not more than 10% with respect to its maximum swelling capacity, i.e. a swelling capacity to swell 10-fold more is retained. The hydrogel within the restrictive swelling network has an equilibrium stiffness between 0.5 and 2 MPa to resist external loads applied to the top surface layer or the bottom surface layer of the artificial cartilage. The hydrogel has a fixed negative charge density of &#x2212;0.17 to &#x2212;0.23 mEg/ml and is capable of swelling between 2-15 times compared to the volume of the hydrogel without being restricted.

Growing community of inventors

Helmond, Netherlands

Keita Ito