We believe that fusion and current disc prostheses have failed to meet their promise because they do not restore the natural behavior of the disc, which is only one part of the complex structure in our spines. The natural disc is a complex structure that deforms, absorbs and stores energy, working together with other spinal elements. Recently, we created a novel prosthesis (BioAID) mimicking the structure and deformation properties of the natural disc, i.e. a biomimetic disc. The novelty of this biomimetic disc lies in the fact that it is composed of a hydrogel core restricted by a stiff fiber jacket, creating overall mechanical properties which are more similar to the natural intervertebral disc. Although the principal and performance of the design was demonstrated, biomimetic integration as well as in vivo proof-of-concept remain necessary for acceptance of this technology and availability of a truly biomimetic artificial intervertebral disc to alleviate back/neck pain.

The aim of the project is to demonstrate that a completely biomimetic artificial disc can be produced, become incorporated into adjacent vertebrae and return proper function to the spine. To this end, a 2nd generation prototype biomimetic artificial disc has been machine manufactured using current technology and designed according to medical device standards. The main objective of the project is to demonstrate proof of concept of primary stability and induction of biomimetic integration of the 2nd generation artificial disc with adjacent vertebrae. A secondary outcome will be the integrity of the hydrogel core within the biomimetic prosthesis.

• prof. dr. B.P. (Bjorn) Meij
• prof. dr. Keita Ito
• prof. dr. M.A. (Marianna) Tryfonidou

• dr. A. Abdelgawad (Maastricht University); dr. S. Ghazanfari (Maastricht University); PhD candidate Celien A.M. Jacobs (TU Eindhoven); Prof. S. Jockenhövel (Aachen University); dr. H. Smelt (DSM)