Characterization of Macroporous Polycaprolactone/Silk Fibroin/Gelatin/Ascorbic Acid Composite Scaffolds and In Vivo
Zahra Abpeikar1, Lida Moradi2, Moosa Javdani3
1Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran.
Objective:
Meniscus injuries in the inner avascular zone have weak intrinsic self-healing capacity and often progress to osteoarthritis. This study focused on evaluating the effects of polycaprolactone/silk fibroin/gelatin/ascorbic acid (PCL/SF/Gel/AA) composite scaffolds seeded with adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs), in the meniscus repair.
Design:
To this end, composite scaffolds were cross-linked using N-hydroxysuccinimide and 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethyl-aminopropyl)-1-carbodiimide hydrochloride. Scaffolds were then characterized by scanning electron microscope, mechanical tests, total antioxidant capacity, swelling, and toxicity tests.
Results:
The PCL/SF/Gel/AA scaffolds exhibited suitable mechanical properties. Furthermore, vitamin C rendered them the highest antioxidant capacity. The PCL/SF/Gel/AA scaffolds also showed good biocompatibility and proliferation for chondrocytes. Moreover, the PCL/SF/Gel/AA scaffold seeded with allogeneic ASCs was engrafted in New Zealand rabbits who underwent unilateral punch defect in the medial meniscus of the right knee. After 2 months postimplantation, macroscopic and histologic studies for new meniscus cartilage were performed.
Conclusions:
Our results indicated that the PCL/SF/Gel/AA composite scaffolds seeded with allogeneic ASCs could successfully improve meniscus healing in damaged rabbits.
