Decellularization of bovine articular cartilage by supercritical carbon dioxide as a matrix for cartilage repair

Decellularized extracellular matrix (ECM) derived scaffolds serve as potential candidates in the application of cartilage regeneration to guide cells into proliferating and maintaining the structural zones of articular cartilage. ECM tissue matrices offer framework and structural support and guid-ance in a tissue engineering cartilage scaffold. To generate such a scaffold, decellularization must be performed in a fast and efficient manner to remove cellular products to minimally damage and alterate the ECM. Here, we introduce a novel method used in cartilage decellularization involving a standard cartilage pre-treatment process paired with the surfactant, LS-54, and supercritical carbon dioxide to quickly remove cellular components, with DNA removal reduced by 80%, while sterilizing the matrix. Large pores and no visual nuclei were seen in the tissue. Recellularization was studied with mechanical stimulation using compression release induced suction (CRIS) and an in-house perfusion setup.