Induced Remodeling of Porcine Tendons to Human Anterior Cruciate Ligaments by α-GAL Epitope Removal and Partial Cross-Linking.

ABSTRACT: This review describes a novel method developed for processing porcine tendon and other ligament implants that enables in situ remodeling into autologous ligaments in humans. The method differs from methods using extracellular matrices (ECMs) that provide postoperative orthobiological support (i.e., augmentation grafts) for healing of injured ligaments, in that the porcine bone-patellar-tendon-bone itself serves as the graft replacing ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). The method allows for gradual remodeling of porcine tendon into autologous human ACL while maintaining the biomechanical integrity. The method was first evaluated in a preclinical model of monkeys and subsequently in patients. The method overcomes detrimental effects of the natural anti-Gal antibody and harnesses anti

SUBMITTER: Stone KR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5567590 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature