The ARTORG SRC currently works on a reproducible in vitro disc degeneration (DD) model, which allows to induce  DD within a short time.
An enzyme is injected, which creates a cavity in the center of the disc. This cavity is then filled with various biomaterials (usually hydrogels) to test their mechano-biological response. This unique culture system allows also to inject cells along with the hydrogel and to test feasibility of tissue engineered approaches.