Dynamic migration of dental pulp stem cell - derived chondrogenic cells in collagen hydrogels

Abstract

The biological approach targets therapy that preserves the intervertebral disc (IVD) function by regenerating the degenerated and damaged nucleus pulposus (NP). Biomaterial hydrogels that mimic the NP extracellular matrix (ECM) can serve as stem cell carriers for cell transplantation and a matrix for replacement of the degenerative NP. Stem cells derived from dental pulp have received growing attention because they have a similar differentiation capability as other mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and they are relatively easy to obtain.