Angle-ply scaffold supports annulus fibrosus matrix expression and remodeling by mesenchymal stromal and annulus fibrosus cells.

The angle-ply multilaminate structure of the annulus fibrosus is not reestablished following discectomy which leads to reherniation of the intervertebral disc (IVD). Biomimetic scaffolds developed to repair these defects should be evaluated for their ability to support tissue regeneration by endogenous and exogenous cells. Herein a collagen-based, angle-ply multilaminate patch designed to repair the outer annulus fibrosus was assessed for its ability to support mesenchymal stromal and annulus fibrosus cell viability, elongation, alignment, extracellular matrix gene expression, and scaffold remodeling.