Multiaxial rotational loading compromises the transition zone of the intervertebral disc: Ex vivo study using next-generation bioreactors.

ABSTRACT: Bioreactors have become indispensable tools in spine research, enabling long-term intervertebral disc culture under controlled biological and mechanical conditions. Conventional systems are often limited to uniaxial loading, restricting their ability to replicate the complex, multidirectional biomechanics of the spine. To overcome this limitation, we developed a next-generation bioreactor capable of simulating multiaxial motions while preserving the disc's biological environment. In this study, we investigated the effects of complex loading patterns on early disc degeneration by subjecting bovine whole-organ discs to combined extension, lateral bending, and torsion at 0.3 Hz for 2 h daily over 14 days. To assess the impact of loading magnitude and the specific contribution of torsion, disc

SUBMITTER: Secerovic A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12284434 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature