Abstract
A combination of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and scaffolds seems to be a promising approach for meniscus repair. To facilitate the search for an appropriate scaffold material a reliable and objective in vitro testing system is essential. This paper introduces a new scoring for this purpose and analyzes a hyaluronic acid (HA) gelatin composite scaffold and a polyurethane scaffold in combination with MSCs for tissue engineering of meniscus. The pore quality and interconnectivity of pores of a HA gelatin composite scaffold and a polyurethane scaffold were analyzed by surface photography and Berliner-Blau-BSA-solution vacuum filling. Further the two scaffold materials were vacuum-filled with human MSCs and analyzed by histology and immunohistochemistry after 21 days in chondrogenic media to determine cell distribution and cell survival as well as proteoglycan production, collagen type I and II content. The polyurethane scaffold showed better results than the hyaluronic acid gelatin composite scaffold, with signs of central necrosis in the HA gelatin composite scaffolds. The polyurethane scaffold showed good porosity, excellent pore interconnectivity, good cell distribution and cell survival, as well as an extensive content of proteoglycans and collagen type II. The polyurethane scaffold seems to be a promising biomaterial for a mesenchymal stem cell-based tissue engineering approach for meniscal repair. The new score could be applied as a new standard for in vitro scaffold testing.
Highlights
Lesions of the meniscus are amongst the most frequent injuries in orthopedic surgery [1]
We conducted a thorough test of two biomaterials, one being a hyaluronic acid gelatin composite scaffold developed in our own working group, the other one being the commercially available
Overall Score (p < 0.05) for cell survival compared to Actifit®, because necrosis took place in the central parts of the hyaluronic 12 acid gelatin composite scaffolds
Summary
Lesions of the meniscus are amongst the most frequent injuries in orthopedic surgery [1]. In many cases partial meniscectomy has to be performed due to the poor healing capacity of the avascular part of the meniscus [2]. This predisposes for osteoarthritic changes of the affected knee joint [2,3,4]. Knee menisci are essential in providing joint stability [5], lubrication [6], proprioception [7], force transmission [8], and shock absorption [9]. Partial meniscectomy causes severe changes in the biomechanics of the knee joint that are directly proportional to the amount of lost tissue [10]. While successful repair strategies for Materials 2016, 9, 276; doi:10.3390/ma9040276 www.mdpi.com/journal/materials
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
