The present invention provides a novel way to replenish the disc using retooled disc compositions to repair degenerative discs. There is no better source of proteoglycans than the actual disc material (6) itself. To this end, there has been developed a technique to remove the nucleus pulposus and retool the morphology of the nucleus pulposus to create a powder material (10) that is dry and can be stored at room temperature for long periods of time. This powder (10) can then be reconstituted with a variety of fluids, the most suitable being normal saline or lactated ringers to form a flowable mixture (20).

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.

A particulate composition for stimulating nucleus pulposus regeneration has a particulate composition made of vertebral end-plates having an osseous component wherein the composition is milled, ground or particulized into particles from 10 to 1000 microns in size. At least a part of the composition can be non-demineralized or demineralized or a mixture of demineralized and non-demineralized particles from the vertebral end-plates. Preferably, the non-demineralized part is not subjected to harsh chemical treating. To possibly enhance the release of growth factors and other similar substances from the osseous layer of the end-plate, the material may be treated with hydrochloric acid, ethylene diamine or other demineralizing agents or regimens.

The present invention provides a novel way to replenish the disc using retooled disc compositions to repair degenerative discs. There is no better source of proteoglycans than the actual disc material (6) itself. To this end, there has been developed a technique to remove the nucleus pulposus and retool the morphology of the nucleus pulposus to create a powder material (10) that is dry and can be stored at room temperature for long periods of time. This powder (10) can then be reconstituted with a variety of fluids, the most suitable being normal saline or lactated ringers to form a flowable mixture (20).

The present invention provides a novel way to replenish the disc using retooled disc compositions to repair degenerative discs. There is no better source of proteoglycans than the actual disc material (6) itself. To this end, there has been developed a technique to remove the nucleus pulposus and retool the morphology of the nucleus pulposus to create a powder material (10) that is dry and can be stored at room temperature for long periods of time. This powder (10) can then be reconstituted with a variety of fluids, the most suitable being normal saline or lactated ringers to form a flowable mixture (20).

Methods for developing a decellularized tissue and biomaterials for use as biomimetic grafts or in vitro cellular scaffolds formed with the decellularized tissue are described. The biomaterials are particularly well suited for use as an intervertebral disc graft. The decellularized tissue is formed from an intervertebral disc source tissue and can be substantially decellularized and substantially free of potential immunogenic material (e.g., DNA and RNA), while maintaining ECM materials including both glycosaminoglycan and collagen.

The present invention provides a novel way to replenish the disc using retooled disc compositions to repair degenerative discs. There is no better source of proteoglycans than the actual disc material (6) itself. To this end, there has been developed a technique to remove the nucleus pulposus and retool the morphology of the nucleus pulposus to create a powder material (10) that is dry and can be stored at room temperature for long periods of time. This powder (10) can then be reconstituted with a variety of fluids, the most suitable being normal saline or lactated ringers to form a flowable mixture (20).

Biocompatible biomimetic materials that exhibit desirable mechanical properties while also encouraging cell ingrowth and proliferation are described. The biomaterials include a multi-layer laminate of three or more decellularized aligned collagen tissues. The individual layers are aligned with one another in an angle-ply arrangement, with the collagen of each layer aligned at an angle to the collagen of the adjacent layer. The biomaterials are useful as collagenous graft materials such as a patch for a hernia in an annulus fibrosus or grafting materials for repair of tendons, ligaments, cartilage and other musculoskeletal tissues.

The present disclosure describes methods of treating an injury in a subject using placental tissue streamers, engineered tissue placental tissue hybrids, suture placental tissue hybrids, placental tissue patch hybrids, and tissue hybrids, and the use of these compositions to repair, treat, or support an injury or degenerative process in a subject.

The present invention relates to a tissue-engineered intervertebral disc (IVD) suitable for total disc replacement in a mammal and methods of fabrication. The IVD comprises a nucleus pulposus structure comprising a first population of living cells that secrete a hydrophilic protein and an annulus fibrosis structure surrounding and in contact with the nucleus pulposus structure, the annulus fibrosis structure comprising a second population of living cells and type I collagen. The collagen fibrils in the annulus fibrosis structure are circumferentially aligned around the nucleus pulposus region due to cell-mediated contraction in the annulus fibrosis structure. Also disclosed are methods of fabricating tissue-engineered intervertebral discs.