    AuteursJ.L. Bron, G.H. Koenderink, V. Everts, T.H. Smit
TitelRheological characterization of the nucleus pulposus and
dense collagen scaffolds intended for functional replacement
TijdschriftJournal of Orthopaedic Research SamenvattingLumbar
discectomy is an effective therapy for neurological
decompression in patients suffering from sciatica due to a
herniated nucleus pulposus (NP). However, high numbers of
patients suffering from persisting postoperative low back pain
have resulted in many strategies targeting the regeneration of
the NP. For successful regeneration, the stiffness of scaffolds
is increasingly recognized as a potent mechanical cue for the
differentiation and biosynthetic response of (stem) cells. The
aim of the current study is to characterize the viscoelastic
properties of the NP and to develop dense collagen scaffolds
with similar properties. The scaffolds consisted of highly dense
(0.5%–12%) type I collagen matrices, prepared by plastic
compression. The complex modulus of the NP was 22 k