Preparation of hybrid meniscal constructs using hydrogels and acellular matrices. 2023

Gizem Zihna, and Bengisu Topuz, and Gülçin Günal, and Halil Murat Aydin
Bioengineering Division, Institute of Science, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey.

To search for a suitable meniscus repair material, acellular hybrid scaffolds consisting of in situ cross-linkable 3-D interpenetrating network structures were obtained by decellularization of the meniscus tissues followed by integration of the gel system. Decellularization efficiency was confirmed using a DNA quantification assay (82% decrease in DNA content) and histological stainings. In the second part of the study, the gelatin molecule was functionalized by adding methacrylic anhydride and the degree of functionalization was found to be 75% by (Proton-Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) 1H-NMR. Using this, a series of hybrid constructs named GelMA-Hybrid (G-Hybrid), GELMA/PEGDMA-Hybrid (PG-Hybrid), and GelMA/PEGDMA/HAMA-Hybrid (PGH-Hybrid) were prepared by cross-linking with UVA. Changes in the chemical structure were determined with Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrophotometer (FTIR). Water uptake capacities of cross-linked hybrid structures were measured in swelling studies, and it was found that hybrid scaffolds showed similar swelling properties compared to native counterparts. By compressive mechanical tests, enhanced mechanical properties were revealed in cross-linked scaffolds with PGH-Hybrid having the highest cross-link density. Protein denaturation and decomposition transition temperatures were improved by adding hydrogels to acellular scaffolds according to thermal gravimetric analyses (TGA). Cross-linked acellular scaffolds have exhibited a behavior close to native tissues with below 25% mass loss in phosphate buffer saline (PBS) and enzymatic solution. Cell viability was examined through Alamar Blue on the first day and cell viability in hybrid constructs was found to be above 80% while it was closer to the control group on the 7th day. It was concluded that the developed biomaterials could be used in meniscus tissue engineering with their tunable physicochemical and mechanical properties.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D004247 DNA A deoxyribonucleotide polymer that is the primary genetic material of all cells. Eukaryotic and prokaryotic organisms normally contain DNA in a double-stranded state, yet several important biological processes transiently involve single-stranded regions. DNA, which consists of a polysugar-phosphate backbone possessing projections of purines (adenine and guanine) and pyrimidines (thymine and cytosine), forms a double helix that is held together by hydrogen bonds between these purines and pyrimidines (adenine to thymine and guanine to cytosine). DNA, Double-Stranded,Deoxyribonucleic Acid,ds-DNA,DNA, Double Stranded,Double-Stranded DNA,ds DNA
D005780 Gelatin A product formed from skin, white connective tissue, or bone COLLAGEN. It is used as a protein food adjuvant, plasma substitute, hemostatic, suspending agent in pharmaceutical preparations, and in the manufacturing of capsules and suppositories. Gelafusal
D000072600 Meniscus Crescent-shaped cartilaginous tissue interposed between two articulating bones. Menisci
D054457 Tissue Scaffolds Cell growth support structures composed of BIOCOMPATIBLE MATERIALS. They are specially designed solid support matrices for cell attachment in TISSUE ENGINEERING and GUIDED TISSUE REGENERATION uses. Tissue Scaffolding,Scaffold, Tissue,Scaffolding, Tissue,Scaffoldings, Tissue,Scaffolds, Tissue,Tissue Scaffold,Tissue Scaffoldings
D020100 Hydrogels Water swollen, rigid, 3-dimensional network of cross-linked, hydrophilic macromolecules, 20-95% water. They are used in paints, printing inks, foodstuffs, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. (Grant & Hackh's Chemical Dictionary, 5th ed) Hydrogel,In Situ Hydrogel,In Situ Hydrogels,Patterned Hydrogel,Patterned Hydrogels,Hydrogel, In Situ,Hydrogel, Patterned
D023822 Tissue Engineering Generating tissue in vitro for clinical applications, such as replacing wounded tissues or impaired organs. The use of TISSUE SCAFFOLDING enables the generation of complex multi-layered tissues and tissue structures. Engineering, Tissue

Related Publications

Gizem Zihna, and Bengisu Topuz, and Gülçin Günal, and Halil Murat Aydin
September 2025, ACS applied bio materials,
Gizem Zihna, and Bengisu Topuz, and Gülçin Günal, and Halil Murat Aydin
January 2024, Biomacromolecules,
Gizem Zihna, and Bengisu Topuz, and Gülçin Günal, and Halil Murat Aydin
August 2020, ACS omega,
Gizem Zihna, and Bengisu Topuz, and Gülçin Günal, and Halil Murat Aydin
January 2012, Biomacromolecules,
Gizem Zihna, and Bengisu Topuz, and Gülçin Günal, and Halil Murat Aydin
November 2007, American journal of orthopedics (Belle Mead, N.J.),
Gizem Zihna, and Bengisu Topuz, and Gülçin Günal, and Halil Murat Aydin
December 2022, Journal of functional biomaterials,
Gizem Zihna, and Bengisu Topuz, and Gülçin Günal, and Halil Murat Aydin
January 2015, Journal of biomedical materials research. Part A,
Gizem Zihna, and Bengisu Topuz, and Gülçin Günal, and Halil Murat Aydin
January 2011, Chemical communications (Cambridge, England),
Gizem Zihna, and Bengisu Topuz, and Gülçin Günal, and Halil Murat Aydin
July 2012, Acta biomaterialia,
Gizem Zihna, and Bengisu Topuz, and Gülçin Günal, and Halil Murat Aydin
January 2022, Eplasty,
Copied contents to your clipboard!