Cartilage Matrix Derived Scaffolds for Cartilage Tissue Engineering Applications

BackhroundsRoutine surgical methods for articular chondral defects have failed to regenerateHyaline cartilage. Tissue engineered scaffolds particularly those derived from cartilageextracellular matrix are potential substitutes for filling the chondral voids. In this study,cartilage extracellular matrix derived scaffolds from two different methods wereaccessed.MethodsBovine articular cartilage samples were subjected to one of the following processingmethos1. Vigorous washing with various detergents like SDS and Triton-X for decellularization 2. Homogenization, decellularization, molding, and lyophilizationCharacterization was performed through scanning electron microscopy, porosimetry,and mechanical tests.ResultsDetergent-decellularized scaffolds showed dense porous with very small pore sizes;however their compressive strength was about 0.55 MP. Contrarily, homogenizedscaffolds had big interconnected pores, but lower mechanical properties (0.43 MP).ConclusionsEngineered cartilage matrix derived scaffolds can be potential choices for treatment ofarticular chondral lesions.