Self-curing acrylic formulations with applications in intervertebral disk restoration: drug release and biological behaviour

New injectable acrylic formulations have been prepared to be applied in restoration processes for intervertebral disks (IVDs). The solid phase of the formulations is composed of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), incorporating in some cases chondroitin sulphate (CS) as a regenerative bioactive molecule, whereas the liquid phase is constituted by an amphiphilic macromonomer (MT), 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) and, in some formulations, acrylic acid (AA). The curing parameters and the mechanical properties of the IVD formulations make them excellent candidates for intervertebral application. In vitro and in vivo evaluation of the prepared IVD formulations is described in terms of CS release, surface analysis after immersion in SBF solutions, and biocompatibility studies based on MTT assay and Alamar blue test, as well as in vivo implantation in female Wistar rats, by injection of the IVD formulations followed by histological evaluations to assess tissue response.