Development of meniscus tissue bio-compatibility using allograft native scaffold

The main function of the meniscus tissue, which plays an important role in the biomechanics of the knee joint is load distribution and therefore stresses reduction in the knee joint. The meniscus leads to variety experimental and clinical research due to important function of the human body. Meniscus tears are frequent indications for arthroscopic evaluation which can result in partial or total meniscectomy. Allografts and synthetic meniscus scaffolds have been used to treatment of early degenerative meniscus. Problems related to immunological reactions, as well as reduced initial and longterm stability restrain widespread clinical use so far. Therefore, implantation of acellular meniscus tissue to recipient from different donor and vitalization with recipient's stem cells for the treatment of meniscus tissue on transplantation process is significant approach. According to this thesis, it is believed that this approach will provide meniscus regeneration. The aim of this thesis to develop a new construct by tissue engineering of the rabbit meniscus based on an acellular meniscus allograft. Thus rabbit meniscus collected and acellularized using sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) in the multiple process steps. Following of the acellularization process, the meniscus seeded with bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) obtained from rabbits. As a result of all these processes, native meniscus scaffolds examined in histologically, immunohistochemically, biochemically and biomechanically. In conclusion all these treatments produced acellularized scaffold that was removed cellular components by preserving the extracellular matrix without any significant loss in mechanical properties. MSCs was seed on preserved extracellular matrix to revitalization. Thus allograft native biocompatible meniscus scaffold was produced.