Friederike Kalle (Rostock, DE), Valentin Stadler (Rostock, DE), Christopher Pohl (Greifswald, DE), PD Dr. Anika Jonitz-Heincke (Rostock, DE), Armin Springer (Rostock, DE), Michael Seidenstücker (Freiburg i. Br., DE), Prof. Dr. Rainer Bader (Rostock, DE), Robert Mlynski (Rostock, DE), Daniel Strüder (Rostock, DE)
Abstract text (incl. figure legends and references)
The increasing importance of regenerative medicine, especially in the context of demographic change, has resulted in a growing need for tissue replacement materials. Compared to constantly improving alloplastic materials, tissue donations preserve the native extracellular matrix (ECM). However, the reprocessing is time-consuming and can damage the ECM. Therefore, new methods are needed to provide tissue that is both native and biomechanically stable. High hydrostatic pressure (HHP) could allow specific devitalization and quality enhancement of the grafts without significant damage to the ECM.
In this study, thyroid cartilage and chondrocytes were treated with HHP at 150 - 600 MPa for 10 min. Analysis of devitalization and decellularization of the tissue (flow cytometry, histology, DNA content) were performed. In addition, the ECM was examined using histology, scanning electron microscopy, and biomechanical testing. Furthermore, the biocompatibility of the high pressure treated tissue was evaluated in vivo using a dorsal skinfold chamber in a mouse model. Finally, the ability of the tissue to revitalize with stem cells (hMSCs) was investigated in vitro.
HHP causes devitalization above 300 MPa without detectable decellularization. Morphologically, no changes in the ECM were identified, but the e-modulus significantly increased in cartilage after pressure treatment of 450 MPa or higher. Animal experiments confirmed the biocompatibility of the prepared tissue. Moreover, hMSCs were successfully cultured on pressure-treated tissue in vitro.
HHP devitalizes cartilage tissue quickly and specifically while retaining the essential properties of the ECM. In addition, the biocompatibility of treated samples was demonstrated, and their ability to be revitalized with hMSCs was established. Prospectively, HHP could simplify the preparation of allo- and xenogeneic tissue replacements and increase the availability of grafts in head and neck surgery.