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Controlled-Potential Electromechanical Reshaping of Cartilage
Bryan M Hunter1, Jeremy Kallick1, Jessica Kissel1
1Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Occidental College, Los Angeles, CA, 90041, USA.
Angewandte Chemie (International Ed. in English)
|April 10, 2016
Summary
Electromechanical reshaping (EMR) offers a novel, molecular approach to cartilage repair, avoiding traditional surgery. This technique uses electrochemical potential to permanently reshape cartilage tissue by altering its matrix properties.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Electrochemistry
Background:
- Conventional cartilage surgery involves
- cut-and-sew
- techniques.
- Cartilage's structural integrity relies on highly sulfated glycosaminoglycans forming cation-selective ionic networks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the molecular mechanisms behind electromechanical reshaping (EMR) as an alternative to conventional cartilage surgery.
- To elucidate how electrochemical potential application leads to permanent cartilage remodeling.
Main Methods:
- Insertion of needle electrodes into cartilage under mechanical deformation using a jig.
- Brief application of electrochemical potential at the water-oxidation limit (approx. 2 minutes).
Main Results:
- EMR induces localized, low-pH gradients within the cartilage matrix.
- Protonation of fixed negative charges in the proteoglycan matrix causes chemically induced stress relaxation.
- Remodeled cartilage retains its new shape after re-equilibration to physiological pH.
Conclusions:
- EMR is a viable molecular-based modality for cartilage reshaping.
- The mechanism involves electrochemical manipulation of the cartilage matrix's ionic and pH environment.
- This technique offers a non-surgical alternative for cartilage repair and remodeling.
