Abstract
Repair and regeneration of nasal and auricular cartilage thrust significant challenges in reconstructive surgery. The burgeoning clinical requirement is yet to endorse a satisfactory cartilage replacement matrix. In this regard, we have bioengineered cross-linked decellularized caprine conchal cartilage (DC) as biocompatible, durable, and nontoxic matrices. The DC matrices exhibited reduced DNA and sulfated glycosaminoglycan (sGAG) with a minimal effect on the collagen content. Further, histology and scanning electron micrographs revealed a significant loss of cellular bodies and the presence of a compact matrix consisting of intricate collagen fibers, when compared to unprocessed matrices. An in vitro biological assessment of the matrices exhibited an increased chondrocyte proliferation and viability with a significantly higher DNA, sGAG, and total collagen content. The matrices showed a 3-fold increase in the expression of cartilage-specific genes, namely, aggrecan, collagen II, and sox-9, and exhibited a minimal in vitro immunogenicity. Further, an in vivo assessment was performed by xenografting these caprine matrices in a rabbit model. The retrieved matrices showed a well-organized structural and cellular orientation with extracellular matrix formation after 3 months of implantation. No significant infiltration of plasma cells, macrophages, lymphocytes, and immature fibroblasts was recorded. Therefore, these affordable, resourceful, xenocompatible matrices offer a potential alternate in the repair and regeneration of nasal and auricular cartilages.
Published Version
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