TRITON-X is most effective among three decellularization agents for ACL tissue engineering

J Orthop Res. 2009 Dec;27(12):1612-8. doi: 10.1002/jor.20932.

Abstract

Ruptures of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) are still associated with high rates of long-term complications, even in patients undergoing modern, state-of-the-art replacement. Tissue-engineering approaches have been shown to be of value in improving treatment of ACL ruptures. However, the success of tissue-engineering procedures depends on the choice of an appropriate biomaterial. Decellularized ACL tissue potentially combines the structural composition of the targeted tissue with a reduced risk of graft rejection or disease transmission. In this study, we tested the effectiveness of currently available decellularization methods based on TRITON-X, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), and trypsin. After identifying the most effective decellularization method, the capacity for reseeding with ACL fibroblasts was studied. All decellularization protocols reduced DNA content, with TRITON-X treatment having the greatest effect. Concurrently, decellularization did not affect tissue collagen or total protein content, but did decrease glycosaminoglycan content. TRITON-X also resulted the least glycosaminoglycan depletion. Porcine ACL tissue after decellularization with TRITON-X could be successfully reseeded with human ACL fibroblasts as demonstrated by steady DNA content and increasing pro-collagen expression.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anterior Cruciate Ligament / cytology
  • Anterior Cruciate Ligament / drug effects*
  • Anterior Cruciate Ligament / transplantation
  • Bone Transplantation / methods
  • Cell Differentiation / drug effects
  • Cell Proliferation / drug effects
  • Collagen / analysis
  • DNA / analysis
  • Female
  • Fibroblasts / cytology
  • Fibroblasts / drug effects
  • Fibroblasts / physiology
  • Male
  • Polyethylene Glycols / chemistry
  • Polyethylene Glycols / pharmacology*
  • Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate / pharmacology
  • Surface-Active Agents / chemistry
  • Surface-Active Agents / pharmacology*
  • Swine / physiology*
  • Tissue Engineering*
  • Tissue Scaffolds / chemistry
  • Transplantation, Homologous

Substances

  • Surface-Active Agents
  • Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate
  • Polyethylene Glycols
  • Collagen
  • DNA