Preparation and Characterization of an Optimized Meniscal Extracellular Matrix Scaffold for Meniscus Transplantation

Abstract

Many studies have sought to construct a substitute to partially replace irreparably damaged meniscus. Only the meniscus allograft has been used in clinical practice as a useful substitute, and there are concerns about its longevity and inherent limitations, including availability of donor tissue and possibility of disease transmission. To overcome these limitations, we developed an acellular xenograft from whole porcine meniscus. Samples were treated with 2% Triton X-100 for 10 days and 2% sodium dodecyl sulfate for 6 days. The DNA content of extracellular matrix (ECM) scaffolds was significantly decreased compared with that of normal porcine menisci (p < 0.001). Histological analysis confirmed the maintenance of ECM integrity and anisotropic architecture in the absence of nuclei. Biochemical and biomechanical assays of the scaffolds indicated the preservation of collagen (p = 0.806), glycosaminoglycan (p = 0.188), and biomechanical properties (elastic modulus and transition stress). The scaffolds possessed good biocompatibility and supported bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) proliferation for 2 weeks in vitro, with excellent region-specific recellularization in vivo. The novel scaffold has potential value for application in recellularization and transplantation strategies.

Optimizing artificial meniscus by mechanical stimulation of the chondrocyte-laden acellular meniscus using ad hoc bioreactor

“…Human chondrocyte-seeded scaffold showed an enhancement in cell proliferation and ECM synthesis including COL-II and GAG [ 27 ]. Collagen fibers and GAG retention as well as appropriate biomechanical properties have been reported in decellularized whole porcine [ 28 ] and ovine [ 10 ] meniscus. Decellularized porcine meniscus ECM provided an appropriate non-toxic surface for the fibroblasts and chondrocytes attachment and infiltration [ 29 ].…”

“…Decellularized porcine meniscus ECM provided an appropriate non-toxic surface for the fibroblasts and chondrocytes attachment and infiltration [ 29 ]. Besides, increase in porosity after decellularization supported stem cell viability and proliferation without cellular toxicity [ 28 ]. Biocompatibility without considerable immune response was confirmed by the current study after 4 weeks of subcutaneous implantation of the decellularized meniscus of rabbit.…”

Three‐dimensional‐printed polycaprolactone/polypyrrole conducting scaffolds for differentiation of human olfactory ecto‐mesenchymal stem cells into Schwann cell‐like phenotypes and promotion of neurite outgrowth

“…50 To assess seeding efficiency and distribution of OE-MSCs on the specimens, 4 0 ,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI; Sigma) staining was used. 51 Seeded cells were fixed with 4% paraformaldehyde, washed with PBS, and stained with DAPI for labeling nuclei of the cells.…”

Biomaterials and Meniscal Lesions: Current Concepts and Future Perspective

“…The biological materials that have been used over time are the periosteal tissue [63], the perichondrium [64], the small intestine submucosa (SIS) [65], acellular porcine meniscal tissue [66,67] and bacterial cellulose [68]. Although these materials have a very high biocompatibility, some components are not suitable for tissue engineering, as their conformation and mechanical properties cannot be modified [25].…”