Graphene oxide-modified 3D acellular cartilage extracellular matrix scaffold for cartilage regeneration

Articular cartilage regeneration is a challenge in orthopedics and tissue engineering. This study prepared a graphene oxide (GO)-modified 3D acellular cartilage extracellular matrix (ACM) scaffold for cartilage repair. Cartilage slices were decellularized using a combination of physical and chemical methods of fabricating ACM particles. GO was crosslinked with the ACM by 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide hydrochloride and N-hydroxy succinimide to prepare a composite scaffold. GO modification improved the internal structure and mechanical properties of the scaffold. The GO-modified (2 mg/mL) composite scaffold promoted cell adhesion, cell proliferation, and chondrogenic differentiation in vitro. Experiments on subcutaneous implantation in rats demonstrated that the composite scaffold had good biocompatibility and mild inflammatory response. After 12 weeks of implantation, the composite scaffold loaded with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells completely bridged the cartilage defects in the rabbit knee with hyaline cartilage. Results indicated that the GO-modified 3D ACM composite scaffold can provide a powerful platform for cartilage tissue engineering and articular cartilage injury treatment.

Automated summary

The study introduced a graphene oxide-modified 3D acellular cartilage extracellular matrix scaffold for cartilage repair, which improved the biomechanical performance of the scaffold and promoted cell proliferation and differentiation. In vivo experiments in rats and rabbits demonstrated excellent biocompatibility and osteogenic response of the composite scaffold, showcasing its potential in cartilage tissue engineering and injury treatment.