Optimized Repopulation of Tendon Hydrogel: Synergistic Effects of Growth Factor Combinations and Adipose-Derived Stem Cells.

Tendon-derived extracellular matrix (ECM) hydrogel has been shown to augment tendon healing in vivo. We hypothesized that reseeding of the gel with adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) could further assist repopulation of the gel and that combinations of growth factors (GFs) would improve the survival of these cells after reseeding. A tendon-specific ECM solution was supplemented with varying concentrations of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), and platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB).

Augmentation of tendon healing with an injectable tendon hydrogel in a rat Achilles tendon model.

Background: Many unsolved problems in plastic and hand surgery are related to poor healing of acute and chronic tendon injuries. The authors hypothesized that tendon healing could be augmented by the addition of a tendon-derived, extracellular matrix hydrogel that would guide tissue regeneration.

Methods: Both Achilles tendons of 36 Wistar rats were given full-thickness injuries approximately 5 mm long and 0.

Design and characterization of an injectable tendon hydrogel: a novel scaffold for guided tissue regeneration in the musculoskeletal system.

A biocompatible hydrogel consisting of extracellular matrix (ECM) from human tendons is described as a potential scaffold for guided tissue regeneration and tissue engineering purposes. Lyophilized decellularized tendons were milled and enzymatically digested to form an ECM solution. The ECM solution properties are assessed by proteome analysis with mass spectrometry, and the material's rheological properties are determined as a function of frequency, temperature, and time.

Reconstruction of the tendon-bone insertion with decellularized tendon-bone composite grafts: comparison with conventional repair.

Purpose: Injuries involving the tendon-bone interface (TBI) are difficult to address. Standard techniques typically lead to diminished strength of the healed insertion site. We hypothesized that these injuries would benefit from being reconstructed with decellularized composite grafts replacing both tendon and bone.

Flexor tendon tissue engineering: acellularization of human flexor tendons with preservation of biomechanical properties and biocompatibility.

Objective: Acellular human tendons are a candidate scaffold for tissue engineering flexor tendons of the hand. This study compared acellularization methods and their compatibility with allogeneic human cells.

Method: Human flexor tendons were pretreated with 0.