Establishment of an ex vivo cartilage damage model by combined collagenase treatment and mechanical loading.

ABSTRACT:

Background

There is a substantial need for ex vivo cartilage damage models to assess new emerging cartilage repair strategies. Ex vivo cartilage explant models have the advantages of achieving standardized and reproducible experimental conditions while maintaining the cells in their native tissue environment. This study aimed to establish a bovine cartilage damage model to evaluate the safety and efficacy of novel cartilage repair therapies. We hypothesized that combining transient exposure to matrix-degrading enzymes with mechanical loading on bovine cartilage would simulate cartilage damage.

Methods

Prior to mechanical load, bovine osteochondral plugs underwent a brief 5-minutes treatment with collagenase to induce mild cartilage damage by disrupting the collagen network.

SUBMITTER: Wen L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11817604 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature