biostudies-literatureBrans VADutch Research Council (NWO)e01823https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC12908214biostudies-literatureUnknown15(7)Lower back pain is closely associated with intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration and is a leading cause of global disability. Existing treatment options are unable to provide suitable long-term outcomes, and emerging strategies employing injectable biomaterials are hindered by factors including limited native tissue integration and depth- or time-constrained gelation mechanisms. To overcome these issues, the present research evaluates a new concept employing ultrasound to remotely trigger in situ implant formation. The concept centers around an implant precursor biomaterial consisting of an anionic polysaccharide solution containing thermally sensitive liposomes loaded with ionic crosslinkers. Ultrasound-mediated heating to 4-5 °C above normal body temperature triggers liposomal release oAdvanced healthcare materialsUltrasound-Triggered Gelation for Restoring Biomechanical Properties of Degenerated Functional Spinal Units.PMC12908214019.211EN.025Newell NArmstrong JPKKibble MJGray MDCoussios CCBrans VAConstantinou APReumann DStevens MMNele VBau LCallens SJPfalseUltrasound-Triggered Gelation for Restoring Biomechanical Properties of Degenerated Functional Spinal Units.Lower back pain is closely associated with intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration and is a leading cause of global disability. Existing treatment options are unable to provide suitable long-term outcomes, and emerging strategies employing injectable biomaterials are hindered by factors including limited native tissue integration and depth- or time-constrained gelation mechanisms. To overcome these issues, the present research evaluates a new concept employing ultrasound to remotely trigger in situ implant formation. The concept centers around an implant precursor biomaterial consisting of an anionic polysaccharide solution containing thermally sensitive liposomes loaded with ionic crosslinkers. Ultrasound-mediated heating to 4-5 °C above normal body temperature triggers liposomal release o2026-01-01T00:00:00Z2026 Feb2026-07-16T05:12:23.294Z2026-07-09T10:37:15.271ZS-EPMC129082144137629510.1002/adhm.202501823