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Trimethylamine N-oxide as a media supplement for cartilage tissue engineering
Grace D O'Connell1, Jason V Fong, Neil Dunleavy
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, 351 Engineering Terrace, MC8904 1210 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, New York 10027, USA.
Summary
Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) supplementation improved engineered cartilage. This osmolyte enhanced mechanical properties and extracellular matrix production, aiding recovery after chondroitinase ABC digestion.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Engineered cartilage properties can be improved with media supplements like growth factors and dexamethasone.
- Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), a natural osmolyte in shark cartilage, stabilizes proteins against urea's destabilizing effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) as a culture media supplement for enhancing functional engineered cartilage growth.
- To evaluate TMAO's impact on engineered cartilage, particularly after chondroitinase ABC digestion.
Main Methods:
- Engineered cartilage constructs were cultured with varying concentrations of TMAO (0-200 mM) for 14 days.
- A second study supplemented TMAO post-chondroitinase ABC digestion to assess recovery and matrix production.
- Mechanical (Young's modulus) and biochemical properties were analyzed.
Main Results:
- A dose-dependent response was observed, with optimal TMAO concentrations ranging from 5-100 mM.
- TMAO supplementation significantly improved mechanical and biochemical properties of engineered cartilage.
- Digested constructs cultured with TMAO showed a 2x greater Young's modulus and recovered to undigested control levels by day 42.
Conclusions:
- TMAO shows promise as a media supplement for improving engineered cartilage.
- It enhances compressive mechanical properties, boosts extracellular matrix production, and accelerates recovery post-chondroitinase ABC digestion.
