Tendon-Inspired Nanotopographic Scaffold for Tissue Regeneration in Rotator Cuff Injuries

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Orthopedic Surgery

Background:

• Rotator cuff (RC) tears are a leading cause of shoulder disability.
• High re-tear rates persist despite advanced surgical techniques.
• The natural tendon extracellular matrix (ECM) offers a model for improved healing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate nanotopographic scaffolds for rotator cuff tendon repair and regeneration.
• To investigate the impact of aligned nanotopography on tendon-derived cells and tissue healing.
• To assess scaffold efficacy in preclinical models of acute and chronic RC tears.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of polycaprolactone nanotopographic scaffolds mimicking natural tendon ECM.
• In vitro assessment of scaffold effects on tendon-derived cell morphology, proliferation, differentiation, and healing capacity.
• In vivo evaluation of scaffold-augmented RC repair in rabbit models of acute and chronic tears.

Main Results:

• Scaffolds exhibited suitable flexibility and mechanical properties for tendon regeneration.
• Aligned nanotopography significantly improved tendon-derived cell behavior and in vitro healing.
• Scaffolds promoted aligned tendon regeneration and a more organized healing pattern in rabbit RC tear models.
• Nanotopographic cues facilitated regeneration of the tendon-to-bone interface.

Conclusions:

• Polycaprolactone nanotopographic scaffolds effectively support rotator cuff tendon repair and regeneration.
• Tendon ECM-mimicking nanotopography guides cellular behavior and promotes aligned tissue healing.
• These scaffolds represent a promising strategy to reduce re-tear rates in rotator cuff repair.