Abstract
ObjectiveThis study aimed to improve the functional properties of anatomically-shaped meniscus constructs through simultaneous tension and compression mechanical stimulation in conjunction with chemical stimulation.MethodsScaffoldless meniscal constructs were subjected to simultaneous tension and compressive stimulation and chemical stimulation. The temporal aspect of mechanical loadingwas studied by employing two separate five day stimulation periods. Chemical stimulation consisted of the application of a catabolic GAG-depleting enzyme, chondroitinase ABC (C-ABC), and an anabolic growth factor, TGF-β1. Mechanical and chemical stimulation combinations were studied through a full-factorial experimental design and assessed for histological, biochemical, and biomechanical properties following 4 wks of culture.ResultsMechanical loading applied from days 10–14 resulted in significant increases in compressive, tensile, and biochemical properties of meniscal constructs. When mechanical and chemical stimuliwere combined significant additive increases in collagen per wet weight (4-fold), compressive instantaneous (3-fold) and relaxation (2-fold) moduli, and tensile moduli in the circumferential (4-fold) and radial (6-fold) directions were obtained.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that a stimulation regimen of simultaneous tension and compression mechanical stimulation, C-ABC, and TGF-β1 is able to create anatomic meniscus constructs replicating the compressive mechanical properties, and collagen and GAG content of native tissue. In addition, this study significantly advances meniscus tissue engineering by being the first to apply simultaneous tension and compression mechanical stimulation and observe enhancement of tensile and compressive properties following mechanical stimulation.
Highlights
The knee joint is a complex system of tissues that each lends unique contributions to proper joint functionality
Gross Morphology All constructs were able to withstand the level of mechanical stimulation without tearing or permanently deforming
The secondary hypothesis regarding the benefit earlier mechanical stimulation was proven through significant increases in collagen/wet weight (WW), and compressive and tensile moduli due to this treatment
Summary
The knee joint is a complex system of tissues that each lends unique contributions to proper joint functionality. The lack of vascularity and the inability for intrinsic repair of the inner portion of the meniscus ensures a functional healing response does not ensue [3,4]. This places the underlying articular cartilage under non-physiologic loading causing it to enter an osteoarthritic pathway [1,2]. The lack of a technique able to replace damaged meniscal tissue through replication of both geometric and functional properties and the scarcity of donor tissue for meniscal allografting both motivate the desire to tissue engineer living inner-meniscus tissue
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