A novel bio-inspired hydrogel-based lattice structure to mechanically mimic human annulus fibrosus: A finite element study

•We develop biomimetic designs of the human annulus fibrosus.•We propose lattice structure with specially designed octagonal cells patterns.•We introduce hydrogel as matrix reinforced by polylactide fibers.•We model hydrogel time-dependent response in relation to polylactide features.•We show a perfect replication of the natural annulus unusual transversal response.