Composite Zonal Scaffolds of Collagen I/II for Meniscus Regeneration.

Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.

• Level A · Stronger Clinical Evidence
• Level B · Emerging clinical evidence with positive signals
• Level C · Early human research exploring benefits
• Level D · Scientific groundwork from lab and animal studies
• Emerging · Emerging topic under active research

Abstract (original English)

The meniscus is divided into three zones according to its vascularity: an external vascularized red-red zone mainly comprising collagen I, a red-white interphase zone mainly comprising collagens I and II, and an internal white-white zone rich in collagen II. Known scaffolds used to treat meniscal injuries do not reflect the chemical composition of the vascular areas of the meniscus. Therefore, in this study, four composite zonal scaffolds (named A, B, C, and D) were developed and characterized; the developed scaffolds exhibited the main chemical components of the external (collagen I), interphase (collagens I/II), and internal (collagen II) zones of the meniscus. Noncomposite scaffolds were also produced (named E), which had the same shape as the composite scaffolds but were entirely made of collagen I. The composite zonal scaffolds were prepared using different concentrations of collagen I and the same concentration of collagen II and were either cross-linked with genipin or not cross-linked. Porous, biodegradable, and hydrophilic scaffolds with an expected chemical composition were obtained. Their pore size was smaller than the size reported for the meniscus substitutes; however, all scaffolds allowed the adhesion and proliferation of human adipose-derived stem cells (hADSCs) and were not cytotoxic. Data from enzymatic degradation and hADSC proliferation assays were considere

Evidence level

Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.

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