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Modeling the Simultaneous Transport of Multiple Cryoprotectants into Articular Cartilage Using a Triphasic Model
Shannon Clark1, Nadr M Jomha2, Janet A W Elliott1,3
1Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AlbertaT6G 1H9, Canada.
The Journal of Physical Chemistry. B
|November 9, 2022
Summary
A new mathematical model accurately predicts cryoprotectant diffusion in cartilage vitrification, improving tissue preservation for transplantation. This enhanced model accounts for multiple cryoprotectants, unlike older methods, leading to better outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Tissue Engineering
- Cryobiology
Background:
- Osteochondral allograft transplantation is crucial for treating cartilage defects.
- Vitrification offers a method for cryopreserving articular cartilage, increasing tissue availability.
- Existing mathematical models like Fick's law have limitations in simulating cryoprotectant diffusion during vitrification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To extend the modified triphasic model to accurately simulate the diffusion of two permeating cryoprotectants.
- To enable more precise mathematical modeling of simultaneous cryoprotectant diffusion in vitrification protocols.
- To improve the optimization of cryopreservation protocols for articular cartilage.
Main Methods:
- Extended the modified triphasic model to incorporate two cryoprotectants.
- Determined model fitting parameters using previously published experimental data.
- Modeled a successful vitrification protocol for particulated cartilage cubes, analyzing concentration, freezing point, vitrifiability, and strain profiles.
Main Results:
- The extended modified triphasic model provides more accurate cryoprotectant concentration predictions compared to Fick's law.
- Fick's law underestimates tissue vitrifiability due to inaccurate concentration estimations.
- Simultaneous diffusion of cryoprotectants enhances individual permeation rates, a factor not considered by Fick's law.
Conclusions:
- The two-cryoprotectant modified triphasic model offers a significant improvement for modeling cartilage vitrification.
- Utilizing this model can lead to reduced cryoprotectant exposure and enhanced outcomes for preserved tissues.
- This advancement supports the development of more effective vitrification protocols for osteochondral allografts.
