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A new decellularized tendon scaffold for rotator cuff tears - evaluation in rabbits
Alex de Lima Santos1, Camila Gonzaga da Silva2, Leticia Siqueira de Sá Barreto2
1Department of Orthopedic and Traumatology, EPM - Federal University from São Paulo, 715 Napoleão de Barros, São Paulo, SP, 04038-000, Brazil. alexdels@gmail.com.
BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders
|October 18, 2020
Summary
Decellularized tendon scaffolds (DTSs) were produced and evaluated. These DTSs maintained key biomechanical properties and allowed cell infiltration, showing promise for tendon and ligament reconstruction in orthopaedic surgery.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Orthopaedic Surgery
- Tissue Engineering
Background:
- Scaffold technology has advanced significantly for orthopaedic applications.
- Tendon and ligament reconstruction commonly utilize scaffolds as grafts.
- This study focuses on decellularized tendon scaffolds (DTSs).
Purpose of the Study:
- To produce decellularized tendon scaffolds (DTSs).
- To evaluate DTSs biomechanically, microscopically, macroscopically, and in vivo.
- To assess the suitability of DTSs for orthopaedic reconstructive procedures.
Main Methods:
- Gastrocnemius tendons from New Zealand rabbits were used.
- A six-day decellularization protocol involving aprotinin, EDTA, SDS, and Triton X-100 was employed.
- Histological, biomechanical, macroscopic, and in vivo analyses were performed.
Main Results:
- DTSs exhibited increased cross-sectional area and inter-fascicular distance without altering matrix organization.
- Biomechanical testing showed no significant differences in ultimate tensile load, stiffness, or elongation compared to controls.
- In vivo evaluation revealed mononuclear cell infiltration into the DTSs.
Conclusions:
- The decellularization protocol successfully generated functional tendon scaffolds.
- The produced DTSs retained essential biomechanical characteristics.
- The scaffolds demonstrated potential for cell infiltration, crucial for tissue regeneration.
