Progress of smart material in the repair of intervertebral disc degeneration

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is a prevalent condition leading to back and leg pain as well as chronic disability. It refers to the degeneration of intervertebral disc structure, including the nucleus pulposus, annulus fibrosus, and cartilage endplate. Along with degeneration process, these components can deteriorate, causing pain and functional impairment. To address IVDD, researchers are exploring the use of smart materials as novel therapeutic approaches. This review aims to summarize the application of various stimuli-responsive smart materials (endogenous and exogenous stimuli-responsive materials) in the repair for Intervertebral disc. These smart materials, such as responsive hydrogels, shape-memory polymers, and nanoparticle-based delivery systems, have shown considerable potential in achieving targeted drug delivery and tissue regeneration, and improving clinical outcomes. The ongoing advancement of smart materials towards successful clinical translation holds promise for improving treatment outcomes for IVDD patients, providing more effective and safer therapeutic options. Schematic diagram of smart materials with intervertebral disc therapy and regeneration functions. • The manuscript summarizes the application of various stimuli-responsive smart materials, both endogenous and exogenous, in tissue repair for intervertebral disc degeneration. • These smart materials, including responsive hydrogels, shape-memory polymers, and nanoparticle-based delivery systems, exhibit good potential in achieving targeted drug delivery and tissue regeneration, and improving clinical outcomes. • This review proposes the key challenges and future prospects of smart materials in clinical applications.