Functionalised collagen-MnO2 fibres inhibit oxidative-induced apoptosis in degenerated IVD

Intervertebral disc cell apoptosis has been reported as the major factor responsible in promoting disc degeneration. In this study we hypothesize that collagen fibres with manganese dioxide (MnO₂) nanoparticles (NPs) can increase oxygen levels by scavenging ROS species and converting it into byproducts. The specific objective of this study is to fabricate collagen fibres incorporating NPs (Fig. 1), with controlled degradability that are able to scavenge ROS species and generate O₂ while inhibiting annulus fibrosus (AF) cell apoptosis under inflamed conditions.