Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 29, 2025
07:06
Destabilization of the Medial Meniscus and Cartilage Scratch Murine Model of Accelerated Osteoarthritis
Published on: July 6, 2022
4.8K
Meniscus Matrix Structural and Biomechanical Evaluation: Age-Dependent Properties in a Swine Model
Lucia Aidos1, Silvia Clotilde Modina2, Valentina Rafaela Herrera Millar1
1Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy.
Bioengineering (Basel, Switzerland)
|March 24, 2022
Summary
The swine meniscus undergoes significant extracellular matrix (ECM) changes during maturation. These include decreased cellularity and collagen, with increased glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and aggrecan, enhancing mechanical resistance.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Developmental Biology
- Orthopedic Research
Background:
- The meniscus is crucial for knee joint function, providing load distribution and shock absorption.
- Understanding its development and extracellular matrix (ECM) changes is vital for tissue engineering and treating injuries.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze morphological, structural, biochemical, and mechanical changes in the ECM during swine meniscus development.
- To correlate these changes with biomechanical properties from immature to mature stages.
Main Methods:
- Collected medial menisci from swine at different developmental stages (not developed, partially developed, fully developed).
- Evaluated cellularity and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) via ELISA.
- Assessed Collagen 1 and aggrecan using immunohistochemistry and Western blot.
- Measured biomechanical properties under tensile and compression forces.
Main Results:
- Cellularity and Collagen 1 decreased, while GAGs and aggrecan increased from immature to mature menisci (p < 0.01).
- Tensile strength decreased with maturation, but compression resistance significantly increased in fully developed menisci (p < 0.01).
Conclusions:
- Swine meniscus maturation involves significant ECM remodeling, impacting its biomechanical functions.
- These findings provide insights into meniscus development and tissue bioengineering strategies.
