Characterization of decellularized scaffold derived from porcine meniscus for tissue engineering applications

Menisci are fundamental fibrocartilaginous organs in knee joints. The injury in meniscus can impair normal knee function and predisposes patients to osteoarthritis. This study prepared decellularized meniscus scaffolds using a 1% (w/w) sodium dodecyl sulfate solution and sufficient rinsing steps. Complete cell removal was verified by hematoxylin and eosin staining and DNA content assay. Decellularized menisci had accordant tension properties to intact ones, but with declined compression properties. This occurred because the collagen fiber was not damaged but glycosaminoglycans was significantly lost during the decellularization process, which was confirmed by biochemical assay and histology staining. In vitro cytotoxicity assay demonstrated that decellularized meniscus scaffolds have no toxicity on L929 murine fibroblasts and porcine chondrocytes. Further experiment showed that porcine chondrocytes could adhere and proliferate on the scaffold surface, and some cells even could infiltrate into the scaffold. All results showed the potential of this decellularized meniscus to be the scaffolds in tissue engineering.