A multilayer tissue engineered meniscus substitute

J Mater Sci Mater Med. 2014 Apr;25(4):1195-209. doi: 10.1007/s10856-014-5145-0. Epub 2014 Jan 23.

Abstract

Various methods have been tried to treat the main meniscus problem, meniscal tears, for which we believe tissue engineering could be a viable solution. In this study, a three dimensional, collagen-based meniscus substitute was prepared by tissue engineering using human fibrochondrocytes and a collagen based-scaffold. This construct was made with 3 different collagen-based foams interspaced with two electrospun nano/microfibrous mats. The top layer was made of collagen type I-chondroitin sulfate-hyaluronic acid (Coll-CS-HA), and the middle and the bottom layers were made of only collagen type I with different porosities and thus with different mechanical properties. The mats of aligned fibers were a blend of collagen type I and poly(L-lactic acid-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA). After seeding with human fibrochondrocytes, cell attachment, proliferation, and production of extracellular matrix and glucoseaminoglycan were studied. Cell seeding had a positive effect on the compressive properties of foams and the 3D construct. The 3D construct with all its 5 layers had better mechanical properties than the individual foams.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biocompatible Materials / chemistry*
  • Biomechanical Phenomena
  • Cell Adhesion
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Cell Shape
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Chondrocytes / cytology
  • Chondrocytes / physiology
  • Chondrocytes / transplantation
  • Chondroitin Sulfates / chemistry
  • Collagen Type I / chemistry
  • Extracellular Matrix / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Hyaluronic Acid / chemistry
  • Knee Injuries / pathology
  • Knee Injuries / physiopathology
  • Knee Injuries / surgery
  • Lactic Acid / chemistry
  • Materials Testing
  • Menisci, Tibial / pathology
  • Menisci, Tibial / physiopathology
  • Molecular Conformation
  • Polyglycolic Acid / chemistry
  • Polylactic Acid-Polyglycolic Acid Copolymer
  • Tibial Meniscus Injuries*
  • Tissue Engineering / methods*
  • Tissue Scaffolds / chemistry*
  • Wound Healing / physiology

Substances

  • Biocompatible Materials
  • Collagen Type I
  • Polylactic Acid-Polyglycolic Acid Copolymer
  • Polyglycolic Acid
  • Lactic Acid
  • Hyaluronic Acid
  • Chondroitin Sulfates