Introduction Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration (IDD) is one of the most widespread musculoskeletal diseases worldwide and remains an intractable clinical challenge. Currently, regenerative strategies based on biomaterials and biological factors to facilitate IVD repair have been widely explored. However, the harsh microenvironment, such as increased ROS and acidity, of the degenerative region impedes the efficiency of IVD repair. Here, an intelligent biodegradable nanoplatform using hollow manganese dioxide (H-MnO 2 ) was developed to modulate the degenerative microenvironment and release transforming growth factor beta-3 (TGF-β3), which may achieve good long-term therapeutic effects on needle puncture-induced IDD. Methods Surface morphology and elemental analysis of the MnO 2 nanoparticles (NPs) were performed by transmission electron microscopy and an energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy detector system, respectively. The biological effects of MnO 2 loaded with TGF-β3 (TGF-β3/MnO 2 ) on nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs) were assessed via cytoskeleton staining, EdU staining, qPCR and immunofluorescence. The efficacy of TGF-β3/MnO 2 on needle puncture-induced IDD was further examined using MRI and histopathological and immunohistochemical staining. Results The MnO 2 NPs had a spherical morphology and hollow structure that dissociated in the setting of a low pH and H 2 O 2 to release loaded TGF-β3 molecules. In the oxidative stress environment, TGF-β3/MnO 2 was superior to TGF-β3 and MnO 2 NPs in the suppression of H 2 O 2 -induced matrix degradation, ROS, and apoptosis in NPCs. When injected into the IVDs of a rat IDD model, TGF-β3/MnO 2 was able to prevent the degeneration and promote self-regeneration. Conclusion Use of an MnO 2 nanoplatform for biological factors release to regulate the IDD microenvironment and promote endogenous repair may be an effective approach for treating IDD.
Geometric optical waveguide display can significantly miniaturize the augmented reality eyeglasses, but suffers from the ghost image. In this paper, a method using surface micro-reflector array is proposed, which can dramatically suppress the ghost image. The transmission and expansion of the light bearing image are completed by using planar waveguide and micro-reflector array embedded in the surface layer of waveguide. The image quality is improved by using the dual channel to eliminate ghost image. The imaging process of optical system is modeled and simulated. The surface micro-reflector array waveguide element of 3 mm thickness is prepared for verification. The whole optical system has the advantages of simple structure, easy preparation and high structural strength. The display field of view is shown to be 25°× 25°, and the size of the full field of view area is 15 mm with even light distribution. What's more, the uniformity of imaging intensity is better than 20%, and the image is clear without ghost image, which can effectively realize the fusion of the virtual image and the real environment. Thus, the efficiency of augmented reality is greatly improved, and the danger of human eye safety is effectively avoided.
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