Abstract
The limited three-dimensional (3D) nano-scale pore structure and lack of biological function hamper the application of bacterial cellulose (BC) in cartilage tissue engineering. To address this challenge, 3D hierarchical porous BC/decellularized cartilage extracellular matrix (DCECM) scaffolds with structurally and biochemically biomimetic cartilage regeneration microenvironment were fabricated by freeze-drying technique after EDC/NHS chemical crosslinking. The BC/DCECM scaffolds exhibited excellent mechanical properties, water superabsorbency and shape-memory properties. Compared with the BC control, the BC/DCECM scaffolds exhibited enhanced cell adhesion and proliferation. Cartilage regeneration in vitro and in vivo indicated that the BC/DCECM scaffolds achieved satisfactory neocartilage tissue regeneration with superior original shape fidelity, exterior natural cartilage-like appearance and histologically cartilage-specific lacuna formation and ECM deposition. Furthermore, the BC/DCECM scaffolds achieved superior repair outcomes, as hyaline cartilage-like tissue formed within the defect sites. The present study constitutes a strong step toward the further application of BC in cartilage tissue engineering.
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