Scientists develop injectable biomaterial for back pain

Chronic lower back pain is frequently caused by degeneration of the intervertebral disc and researchers have worked for many years to find a way of repairing wear and tear on the lower back.

According to the Manchester University cross-faculty team, it has now discovered how to permanently replace the workings of the invertebral disc.

The team has been working with microgel particles, which are swellable nanoscopic polymer particles, for a number of years.

Previously, it has demonstrated that an injectable fluid of these particles could transform into a gel that restored the mechanical properties of damaged model intervertebral discs.

The lead researcher, Dr Brian Saunders of the School of Materials, and his team have now succeeded in linking the microgel particles together to form injectable durable, elastic gels capable of sustaining large permanent changes in shape without breaking.

These improved injectable gels are said to have much better mechanical properties than the first generation and should now display the necessary long-term durability required for an implanted device.