Use of non-toxic crosslinking reagents to improve fatigue resistance and reduce mechanical degradation of intervertebral disc and other collagenous tissues

Abstract

A method of improving the resistance of collagenous tissue to mechanical degradation in accordance with the present invention comprises the step of contacting at least a portion of a collagenous tissue with an effective amount of a crosslinking reagent. The crosslinking reagent includes a crosslinking agent such as genipin and/or proanthrocyanidin. Further, the crosslinking reagent may include a crosslinking agent in a carrier medium. The collagenous tissue to be contacted with the crosslinking reagent is preferably a portion of an intervertebral disc or articular cartilage. The contact between the tissue and the crosslinking reagent is effected by injections directly into the select tissue using a needle. Alternatively, contact between the tissue and the crosslinking reagent is effected by placement of a time-release delivery system such as a gel or ointment, or a treated membrane or patch directly into or onto the target tissue. Contact may also be effected by, for instance, soaking.