[Development and characterization of oriented scaffolds derived from cartilage extracellular matrix].
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to prepare oriented scaffolds derived from a cartilage extracellular matrix (CECM) and to investigate their physicochemical property and compatibility with adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs).


METHODS
A fresh porcine articular cartilage was cut into pieces. Cartilage nanofibers with diameters of 50-500 nm were collected through homogenization and centrifugation. These nanofibers were then decellularized by using Triton X-100 to produce 6% CECM. The oriented scaffolds derived from the nanoscale CECM were fabricated through unidirectional solidification and lyophilization. Afterward, these scaffolds were crosslinked. The physical and chemical performances and cell compatibility of CECM-oriented scaffolds were evaluated.


RESULTS
The cross-sections of the scaffolds contained homogeneous reticular porous structures with nanofibers on the walls of the pores, and the longitudinal sections revealed vertical tubular structures. Hematoxylin-eosin staining revealed that the scaffolds were red without blue. Toluidine blue, safranin O, and Sirius red staining showed positive results. The porosity, water absorption rate, and vertical compressive elastic modulus of the scaffolds were 95.455%±0.910%, 95.889%±1.071%, and (40.208±5.097) kPa, respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
The components of the oriented scaffolds derived from CECM are similar to those of native cartilage with favorable biocompatibility. The porous structures and sizes of the scaffolds are suitable for the adhesion, proliferation, and infiltration of ADSCs. The oriented scaffolds derived from CECM are relatively optimal for cartilage tissue engineering.  .
Dept. of Orthodontics, Stomatological Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China;Dept. of Orthodontics, Yantai Stomatological Hospital, Yantai 264000, China.
Li
L
Kun
Dept. of Orthodontics, Stomatological Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China.
Zhao
Z
Yanhong
Dept. of Orthodontics, Stomatological Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China.
Xu
X
Chen
The Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China.
Wang
W
Lianyong
Dept. of Spine Surgery, Tianjin Hospital, Tianjin 300211, China.
Yang
Y
Qiang
Dept. of Orthodontics, Stomatological Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China.
Li
L
Hongfa
Dept. of Orthodontics, Stomatological Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China.
Teng
T
Binhong
D000818:Animals; D002356:Cartilage; D002358:Cartilage, Articular; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D055119:Elastic Modulus; D005109:Extracellular Matrix; D016062:Porosity; D013552:Swine; D054457:Tissue Scaffolds
cartilage; extracellular matrix; lyophilization; oriented scaffolds; tissue engineering; unidirectional solidification