Comparison of Biomechanical Properties of Native Menisci and Bacterial Cellulose Implant

The menisci are crescent shaped fibrocartilaginous structures in the knee that may become damaged due to traumatic injury or degeneration resulting in pain and a loss of joint function. The goal of this study is to evaluate the mechanical properties of bacterial cellulose (BC) produced by Gluconacetobacter xylinus as a meniscus implants and compare it to native menisci from pigs, sheep, and human. The modulus of BC was varied by controlling water content and tested at four different stiffness values. The modulus of BC ranged from 2.2MPa for native hydrogel (1% cellulose) to 242MPa for BC with 30% cellulose. SEM showed a much denser network as the cellulose content increased. Suture retention tests gave a load to break of 20N and 30N for 10% and 20% BC, respectively. This study shows promising results for the potential use of BC as a meniscus implant.