In vivo bone tunnel evaluation of nanoparticle‐grafts using an ACL reconstruction rabbit model

Abstract

Acellular human gracilis tendons conjugated with gold nanoparticles (AuNP) and hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (nano-HAp) were used as a graft in an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction rabbit model. The ACLs of 11 New Zealand rabbits were reconstructed using grafts conjugated without nanoparticles, with AuNP only, and with both AuNP and nano-HAp. Semi-quantitative histological scoring of bone tunnel portion of grafts was performed after 14 weeks. Bone tunnels were scored for graft degeneration, graft remodeling, percentage of new host fibrous connective, collateral connection, head-to-head connection, graft collagen fiber organization, new host fibrous connective tissue organization, and graft and interface vascularity. All grafts were intact at 14 weeks. Results of bone tunnel scoring indicate remodeling in all graft types with new organized host fibrous connective tissue, head-to-head connection to bone and mild inflammation associated with remodeling. Components of the 20 nm AuNP grafts have significantly more graft degeneration, more new host fibrous connective tissue, and more vascularity compared to crosslinked grafts. Comparison between femoral and tibial tunnel scores indicate more degeneration in femoral tunnels compared to tibial tunnels. Overall results indicated potentially enhanced remodeling from the use of 20 nm AuNP grafts. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 1071-1082, 2017.

The long-term outcomes of different grafts in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a network meta-analysis

“…The number of ACLR surgery is enormous. According to the statistics of the United States, there are more than 200,000 patients with ACL injury each year and at least 100,000 patients are received ACLR surgery [ 3 , 4 ]. In ACLR, the choice of grafts is very important.…”

The use of gold nanoparticles in improving ACL graft performance in an ovine model

“…After 14 weeks, all the grafts were intact with new, organized host fibrous connective tissue present in all graft types. 34 As a result of the small sample size, there were no statistically significant differences between the control and experimental grafts. However, several promising trends were observed.…”

“…After 14 weeks, all the grafts were intact with new, organized host fibrous connective tissue present in all graft types. 34…”

Incorporation of nanoparticles into transplantable decellularized matrices: Applications and challenges

“…This was examined in a rabbit model after treating the tendon with AuNPs (20 nm) alone or AuNPs with hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (nan-HAP; <40 nm). 46 This approach improved the functional regeneration of tendons and ligaments, thereby enhancing the regenerative process of the ACL. The study revealed that treating tendons with AuNPs (20 nm) enhanced the healing and remodeling of the decellularized grafted tendons by forming a new intact vascularized fibrous construct in the host.…”