Homogenized Porcine Extracellular Matrix Derived Injectable Tissue Construct with Gold Nanoparticles for Musculoskeletal Tissue Engineering Applications

A unique porcine extracellular matrix (ECM) derived injectable tissue construct with 100 nm or 20 nm gold nanoparticles (AuNP) was developed for musculoskeletal tissue engineering applications. ECM has been shown to encourage cellularity and tissue remodeling due to its release of growth factors while AuNP have been shown to reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Injectable tissue constructs were created by homogenizing decellularized porcine diaphragm tendon conjugated with 100 nm or 20 nm AuNP at 1x, 4x, and 8x concentrations. Extrusion force testing demonstrated that homogenized tissue constructs were injectable at an appropriate cannula size and force. L-929 murine fibroblasts were used to measure cell viability, cell proliferation, intracellular ROS levels, and cell migration in response to constructs. Enhanced cell viability and proliferation are observed on 1 × 20 nm AuNP constructs. ROS assays demonstrate reduced cellular ROS concentrations from all 20 nm AuNP constructs and from 8 × 100 nm AuNP constructs compared with constructs without nanoparticles. Cellular migration is higher towards 4 × 20 nm AuNP constructs compared with constructs without nanoparticles. Results support the potential use of a porcine ECM derived injectable tissue construct with AuNP as an injectable tissue construct to reduce inflammation and to promote tissue remodeling in musculoskeletal tissue engineering applications.