Articular cartilage defects affect around 25 million people [1]. Microfracture and Matrix-induced Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (MACI) are two techniques to heal the cartilage, but they both have limitations [2]. Microfracture is beneficial for short term treatment but requires intensive rehab and cannot be used for large defects. Similarly, MACI allows the joint to be weight bearing but requires two surgeries and has a long turnaround time [3]. Literature notes that biological based scaffolds promote regeneration and extracellular matrix (ECM) scaffolds might improve cartilage regeneration [4]. We aimed to test chondrogenesis in an ECM based scaffold made of decellularized porcine meniscus called MEND that has been developed by the Gottardi lab. We compared chondrogenesis to clinically relevant hydrogels–methacrylated collagen hydrogels (ColMA) and methacrylated gelatine hydrogels (GelMA/HAMA). Additionally, I developed an automated solution for characterization of MEND in order to more efficiently measure porosity and channel diameter to help cell infiltration.

References

1. https://www.codetechnology.com/blog/international-cartilage-repair-society-registry

2. https://www.ortho.wustl.edu/content/Patient-Care/2893/Services/Sports-Medicine/Overview/Knee/Microfracture.aspx

3. https://cartilagerepaircenter.org/conditions/matrix-autologous-chondrocyte-implantation-maci

4. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0142961218307713?via%3Dihub