AUTHOR=He Yong , Chen Yunbin , Wan Xinyu , Zhao Chenchen , Qiu Pengcheng , Lin Xianfeng , Zhang Jianfeng , Huang Yue 

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

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology

VOLUME=8

YEAR=2020

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/bioengineering-and-biotechnology/articles/10.3389/fbioe.2020.00779

DOI=10.3389/fbioe.2020.00779

ISSN=2296-4185

ABSTRACT=<p>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 (<italic>p</italic> &lt; 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 (<italic>p</italic> = 0.806), glycosaminoglycan (<italic>p</italic> = 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 <italic>in vitro</italic>, with excellent region-specific recellularization <italic>in vivo</italic>. The novel scaffold has potential value for application in recellularization and transplantation strategies.</p>