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Updated: Jun 22, 2026
Surgical Retrieval, Isolation and In vitro Expansion of Human Anterior Cruciate Ligament-derived Cells for Tissue Engineering Applications
Published on: April 30, 2014
TRITON-X is most effective among three decellularization agents for ACL tissue engineering
Patrick Vavken1, Shilpa Joshi, Martha M Murray
1Sports Medicine Research Laboratory, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Children's Hospital Boston, Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Avenue, Enders 1016, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA. patrick.vavken@childrens.harvard.edu
Decellularization using TRITON-X effectively removes DNA from anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tissue while preserving collagen and protein. This process allows for successful reseeding with human ACL fibroblasts, offering a promising biomaterial for ACL tissue engineering.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Tissue Engineering
Background:
- Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ruptures often lead to long-term complications despite advanced treatments.
- Tissue engineering offers potential for improved ACL rupture management.
- Biomaterial selection is crucial for successful tissue-engineering procedures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of TRITON-X, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), and trypsin for decellularizing ACL tissue.
- To determine the optimal decellularization method for preserving tissue integrity.
- To assess the capacity of decellularized ACL tissue to support reseeding with human ACL fibroblasts.
Main Methods:
- Porcine ACL tissues were decellularized using TRITON-X, SDS, or trypsin.
- DNA, collagen, total protein, and glycosaminoglycan content were analyzed.
- Decellularized tissues were reseeded with human ACL fibroblasts.
- DNA content and pro-collagen expression were monitored post-reseeding.
Main Results:
- All decellularization methods reduced DNA content; TRITON-X showed the most significant reduction.
- Collagen and total protein content remained unaffected by decellularization.
- Glycosaminoglycan content decreased, with TRITON-X causing the least depletion.
- TRITON-X decellularized porcine ACL tissue supported human ACL fibroblast reseeding, indicated by stable DNA and increased pro-collagen expression.
Conclusions:
- TRITON-X is an effective decellularization agent for ACL tissue, minimizing glycosaminoglycan loss.
- Decellularized ACL tissue using TRITON-X serves as a viable scaffold for ACL tissue engineering.
- This approach shows promise for developing improved treatments for ACL injuries.
