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Standardizing Chondrocyte Isolation and Articular Cartilage Decellularization: A Versatile Bioink for Tissue
Upasna Upadhyay1,2, Kamma Srinivasulu2, Lakshmi Kiran Chelluri3,4
1Stem Cell Unit, Global Medical Education and Research Foundation Lakdikapul, Hyderabad, Telangana, India.
Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton, N.J.)
|March 20, 2024
Summary
This study standardizes decellularization of human articular cartilage to create acellular extracellular matrix (ECM) bioink. This bioink, combined with chondrocytes, creates tissue-specific microenvironments for tissue engineering and organ-on-a-chip models.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Cell Biology
Background:
- The extracellular matrix (ECM) provides crucial structural and biochemical support to cells.
- Decellularization aims to preserve ECM architecture, composition, and signaling molecules for tissue-specific applications.
- Synthesizing complex cartilage proteins for tissue engineering remains a significant challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To standardize the isolation of chondrocytes and preparation of acellular ECM from human articular cartilage.
- To develop an acellular ECM bioink additive for creating tissue-specific microenvironments.
- To present a versatile protocol applicable to organ-on-a-chip models, spheroid formation, microfluidics, bioprinting, and cartilage tissue engineering.
Main Methods:
- Standardized chondrocyte isolation from human native articular cartilage.
- Preparation of acellular ECM (aCM) derived from decellularized cartilage.
- Incorporation of aCM as a bioink additive with isolated chondrocytes.
Main Results:
- Successful isolation of chondrocytes and preparation of acellular ECM bioink.
- Demonstrated ability of the chondrocyte-aCM mixture to form a tissue-specific microenvironment.
- Protocol offers a method to utilize native cartilage ECM for advanced research applications.
Conclusions:
- The standardized protocol provides a method for preparing acellular ECM bioink from human articular cartilage.
- This approach facilitates the creation of tissue-specific microenvironments crucial for regenerative medicine.
- The protocol has broad applications in organ-on-a-chip, bioprinting, and cartilage tissue engineering, overcoming challenges in synthesizing native ECM components.
