Preparation and characterization of a decellularized cartilage scaffold for ear cartilage reconstruction

Abstract

Scaffolds are widely used to reconstruct cartilage. Yet, the fabrication of a scaffold with a highly organized microenvironment that closely resembles native cartilage remains a major challenge. Scaffolds derived from acellular extracellular matrices are able to provide such a microenvironment. Currently, no report specifically on decellularization of full thickness ear cartilage has been published. In this study, decellularized ear cartilage scaffolds were prepared and extensively characterized. Cartilage decellularization was optimized to remove cells and cell remnants from elastic cartilage. Following removal of nuclear material, the obtained scaffolds retained their native collagen and elastin contents as well as their architecture and shape. High magnification scanning electron microscopy showed no obvious difference in matrix density after decellularization. However, glycosaminoglycan content was significantly reduced, resulting in a loss of viscoelastic properties. Additionally, in contact with the scaffolds, human bone-marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells remained viable and are able to differentiate toward the chondrogenic lineage when cultured in vitro. These results, including the ability to decellularize whole human ears, highlight the clinical potential of decellularization as an improved cartilage reconstruction strategy.

Optimizing decellularization techniques to create a new nerve allograft: an in vitro study using rodent nerve segments

“…17 In other research fields (bone allograft studies), the allograft structure is less fragile than the nerve tissues and tolerates preservation by freezing better than nerve tissue. 17 The destructive effect of freezing on nerve tissues was found in our study.…”

“…17 In other research fields (bone allograft studies), the allograft structure is less fragile than the nerve tissues and tolerates preservation by freezing better than nerve tissue. 17 The destructive effect of freezing on nerve tissues was found in our study. The processed nerve allograft that was stored frozen proved to have significantly worse structure compared with the nerves for which the cold-storage preservation method was used.…”

“…It has been successfully used in the decellularization of tissues other than nerves-for instance in heart valve and cartilage decellularization. 16,17 Currently all the clinically available allograft conduits are frozen before use. In addition to optimizing the decellularization process, the effect of frozen storage versus cold storage on the efficacy of processed nerve grafts has not been adequately evaluated.…”

Comparing the endothelialisation of extracellular matrix bioscaffolds with coated synthetic vascular graft materials

“…ECM materials are at the forefront of biomaterial research and have been successfully used in a diverse range of medical applications [13][14][15]. As our understanding of these materials increases, it is becoming more apparent that they possess many properties that would make them ideal for use in vascular tissue engineering.…”

“…The aim of this study is to compare the endothelialisation of the most commonly employed graft coating clinically; fibrincoated expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) with novel decellularised xenogenic extracellular matrix (ECM) scaffolds. ECM scaffolds support the growth of several cell types [10][11][12] and have already proven successful in reconstructing a wide range of specialised tissues [13][14][15]. The ECM scaffolds we are examining are derived from the porcine urinary bladder wall -Urinary Bladder Matrix (UBM) and porcine jejunum -Small Intestine Submucosa (SIS).…”