The Development of a Xenograft-Derived Scaffold for Tendon and Ligament Reconstruction Using a Decellularization and Oxidation Protocol.

Journal Article (Journal Article)

PURPOSE: To evaluate the biological, immunological, and biomechanical properties of a scaffold derived by architectural modification of a fresh-frozen porcine patella tendon using a decellularization protocol that combines physical, chemical, and enzymatic modalities. METHODS: Porcine patellar tendons were processed using a decellularization and oxidation protocol that combines physical, chemical, and enzymatic modalities. Scaffolds (n = 88) were compared with native tendons (n = 70) using histologic, structural (scanning electron microscopy, porosimetry, and tensile testing), biochemical (mass spectrometry, peracetic acid reduction, DNA quantification, alpha-galactosidase [α-gal] content), as well as in vitro immunologic (cytocompatibility, cytokine induction) and in vivo immunologic nonhuman primate analyses. RESULTS: A decrease in cellularity based on histology and a significant decrease in DNA content were observed in the scaffolds compared with the native tendon (P < .001). Porosity and pore size were increased significantly (P < .001). Scaffolds were cytocompatible in vitro. There was no difference between native tendons and scaffolds when comparing ultimate tensile load, stiffness, and elastic modulus. The α-gal xenoantigen level was significantly lower in the decellularized scaffold group compared with fresh-frozen, nondecellularized tissue (P < .001). The in vivo immunological response to implanted scaffolds measured by tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 levels was significantly (P < .001) reduced compared with untreated controls in vitro. These results were confirmed by an attenuated response to scaffolds in vivo after implantation in a nonhuman primate model. CONCLUSIONS: Porcine tendon was processed via a method of decellularization and oxidation to produce a scaffold that possessed significantly less inflammatory potential than a native tendon, was biocompatible in vitro, of increased porosity, and with significantly reduced amounts of α-gal epitope while retaining tensile properties. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Porcine-derived scaffolds may provide a readily available source of material for musculoskeletal reconstruction and repair while eliminating concerns regarding disease transmission and the morbidity of autologous harvest.

Full Text

Duke Authors

Cited Authors

  • Seyler, TM; Bracey, DN; Plate, JF; Lively, MO; Mannava, S; Smith, TL; Saul, JM; Poehling, GG; Van Dyke, ME; Whitlock, PW

Published Date

  • February 2017

Published In

Volume / Issue

  • 33 / 2

Start / End Page

  • 374 - 386

PubMed ID

  • 27692557

Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)

  • 1526-3231

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1016/j.arthro.2016.07.016

Language

  • eng

Conference Location

  • United States