Femtosecond Laser Engraving Promotes the Repopulation of Decellularized Human Articular Cartilage

Decellularized articular cartilage of human origin presents itself as the most homologous filling material for focal cartilage defects. Yet, the full repopulation of the exceptionally dense collagen construct has never been achieved without providing host cells with artificially created migration paths into the matrix. Within this study, we examine the use of a femtosecond laser to engrave fine patterns into human articular cartilage before decellularization and GAG depletion (decell-deGAG). Scaffolds were tested for decellularization success and mechanical behavior. Seeding tests were performed to assess biocompatibility and examine the performance in a simulated defect environment using an osteochondral plug model in vitro and in vivo in an ectopic nude mouse model. The composition and structure of the newly formed repair tissue and macrophage recruitment were observed via histology. The femtosecond laser was successful in engraving deep, fine structures into the matrix without the thermal damage found with other laser techniques. Engraving was also beneficial for decellularization success. The resulting decell-deGAG scaffold featured a compressive modulus many times stronger than other biomaterials commonly used for cartilage regeneration and presents a defect filling material that is similar to the tissue it is meant to replace. Moreover, the incisions promoted the repopulation with therapeutically relevant cells. A favorable spatial environment inside the incisions facilitated the formation of repair tissue that mimics hyaline cartilage in composition and collagen orientation. Scaffolds were well-integrated within simulated defects. Femtosecond laser-engraved cartilage poses an authentic defect filling material with cartilage-like properties. When used in combination with cell seeding, it promotes the formation of differentiated repair tissue. Thus, the hereby presented biomaterial shows great potential in improving the repair of focal cartilage defects and reducing long-term graft failures.