In Vitro Characterizations of Poly(Ethylene Glycol) Dimethacrylate)-Nanofibrillated Cellulose as an Injectable Biomaterial Substitute for Herniated Nucleus Pulposus

Abstract

Highlights: Novel synthetic biopolymer hydrogels were successfully prepared using photopolymerization method based on pristine PEGDMA and pristine NFC. Biocomposite hydrogel based on pristine PEGDMA: pristine NFC can be developed as a substitute biomaterial for the nucleus pulposus in cases of herniated nucleus pulposus which can afford for clinical application standards   Abstract As many as 30-80% of cases low back pain (LBP) is frequently attributed to herniated nucleus pulposus (HNP) with 18-29% of instances reported in Indonesia. HNP can cause in motor weakness, sensory disturbances and decreased physiological reflexes. HNP occurs due to protrusion of the intervertebral disc through the annulus fibrosus which can be caused by the rupture of the annulus fibrosus or decreased proteoglycans (PGs). Hydrogel implant material is injected into the disc space, which can restore disc thickness caused by disc degeneration with minimal invasive. This study utilizes  poly(ethylene glycol) dimethacrylate (PEGDMA):nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC) used to treat first-degree HNP using photopolymerization method. PEGDMA is very hydrophilic and is able to produce hydrogel. The addition of NFC to the PEGDMA precursor that forms a hydrogel was able to show mechanical properties as a hydrogel biocomposite candidate. This research to characterize of PEGDMA:NFC for biomaterial substitute of HNP. Characterizations involves Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) test, viscosity assessment and in vitro injection model test.  PEGDMA:NFC concentrations explored include 1:0 (control), 1:0.5 (K1 sample), 1:0.75 (K2 sample) and 1:1 (K3 sample). FTIR test can indicating each functional group for hydrogel biomaterial of PEGDMA:NFC. Based on characterization results, the K3 sample has the best results with a concentration of 1:1. The viscosity value was 74,67 dPa.s and in vitro injection model test showed the addition of NFC indicates the hydrogel state when released from the mold will be not ruptured. Hydrogels can be injected with syringe 18 gauge. Consequently, the study concludes that the PEGDMA:NFC biocomposite hydrogel can be effectively applied in cases of  herniated nucleus pulposus.