Lower Back Pain associated to intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration
is estimated to affect up to 80% of the population at some time
in their lives, presenting a huge socio-economic impact in industrialized
countries, since it is one of the main causes of medical visits,
work absenteeism and hospitalization (1). One possible strategy
addresses total IVD substitution/regeneration which should comprise
personalized approaches by means of using reverse engineering, i.e.
combining imaging techniques (e.g. MRI and micro-CT) and 3Dbioprinting
technology. The implantation of custom-made implants
closely mimicking native IVD and possessing an appropriate size,
shape, mechanical performance, and biodegradability can improve
recovery time after surgery and help to restore spine biofunctionality.
Hydrogels have become especially attractive as matrices for developing
a wide variety of tissue engineered tissues and organs (2).
Nevertheless, one of the main disadvantages of processing hydrogels
is the difficulty to shape them in predesigned geometries even when
Rapid Prototyping technologies are used. The difficulties are mostly
related with the difficulty in controlling the gelation event. In this
work, a two-stage strategy is proposed. In the first stage, human IVD
datasets (MRI or CT) are adequately analyzed for developing accurate
3D models that mimic the native IVD sub-compartments. In
the second stage, 3D anatomical scaffolds are printed and characterized
thoroughly in vitro, in terms of physico-chemical, mechanical
and biological performances.

References:
1. Silva-Correia J, et al. Biotechnol Adv, 31, 1514, 2013.
2. Pereira DR, et al. J Tissue Eng Regen Med, 7, 85, 2013.