Preparation and characterization of oriented scaffolds derived from cartilage extracellular matrix and silk fibroin / 华西口腔医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#This study aims to prepare oriented scaffolds derived from a cartilage extracellular matrix (CECM) and silk fibroin (SF) and use to investigate their physicochemical property in cartilage tissue engineering.@*METHODS@#Oriented SF-CECM scaffolds were prepared from 6% mixed slurry (CECM：SF=1：1) through modified temperature gradient-guided thermal-induced phase separation, followed by freeze drying. The SF-CECM scaffolds were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and histological staining analyses and determination of porosity, water absorption, and compressive elastic modulus of the materials.@*RESULTS@#The SEM image showed that the SF-CECM scaffolds contained homogeneous reticular porous structures in the cross-section and vertical tubular structures in the longitudinal sections. Histological staining showed that cells were completely removed, and the hybrid scaffolds retained proteogly can and collagen. The composition of the scaffold was similar to that of natural cartilage. The porosity, water absorption rate, and vertical compressive elastic modulus of the scaffolds were 95.733%±1.010%, 94.309%±1.302%, and (65.40±4.09) kPa, respectively.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The fabricated SF-CECM scaffolds exhibit satisfactory physicochemical and biomechanical properties and thus could be an ideal scaffold in cartilage tissue engineering.

Development and characterization of oriented scaffolds derived from cartilage extracellular matrix / 华西口腔医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>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).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>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.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>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.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>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. 
.</p>