Decellularized Cartilage Matrix for Cohesive, Malleable Repair
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cartilage damage is difficult to heal due to limited repair capabilities of chondrocytes, which are bound in lacunae and cannot migrate to damaged areas, and existing repair tissues lack cohesiveness, tackiness, and malleability.
Innovation Solution
A cartilage matrix with a high decellularization level (>90%) and low glycosaminoglycan content (<20 wt%) is prepared, which can be in various forms such as putty, gel, or particles, exhibiting cohesiveness, tackiness, and malleability, and may include additional components like demineralized bone matrix, viable cells, and bioactive agents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cartilage is used for repair, then cartilage damage can be treated, but cartilage has limited repair capabilities because chondrocytes are bound in lacunae and cannot migrate to damaged areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts chondrocytes from their native cartilage matrix environment (lacunae) and places them into a new engineered construct consisting of collagen fibers and hydrogel beads. This extraction allows the cells to be delivered directly to damaged areas without being constrained by their original tissue structure, thereby enabling migration and repair capabilities that were previously limited.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite repair tissue consisting of three main components: collagen fibers (提供 structural framework), hydrogel beads (提供 moisture and nutrient reservoir), and chondrocytes (提供 repair functionality). This composite structure combines the advantages of different materials to overcome the limitations of native cartilage while enabling effective repair.
2Reliability
If existing repair tissues are used, then cartilage defects can be filled, but the repair tissues lack cohesiveness, tackiness, and malleability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the physical and chemical parameters of the repair tissue by controlling the density and arrangement of collagen fibers, the composition and cross-linking of hydrogel beads, and the interaction between these components. These parameter changes result in a material that simultaneously achieves defect filling capability while possessing enhanced cohesiveness, tackiness, and malleability for surgical handling.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The cartilage matrix provides enhanced cohesiveness, tackiness, and malleability, facilitating effective cartilage repair and tissue augmentation.
Implementation Method 1
The cartilage matrix has a decellularization level of greater than 90%
Implementation Method 2
The cartilage matrix may be dehydrated
Implementation Method 3
The cartilage matrix may be freeze-dried
Implementation Method 4
The cartilage matrix may be sterilized
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a cartilage matrix having a high decellularization level and a low glycosaminoglycan (GAG) content. The cartilage matrix exhibits desirable characteristics, for example, cohesiveness, tackiness and malleability, for use in cartilage repair. Also provided is a method of preparing the cartilage matrix, comprising decellularizing a cartilage to generate a decellularized cartilage, and deglycosylating the decellularized cartilage.