Combination of graphene oxide and platelet-rich plasma improves tendon–bone healing in a rabbit model of supraspinatus tendon reconstruction

Abstract

The treatment of rotator cuff tear is one of the major challenges for orthopedic surgeons. The key to treatment is the reconstruction of the tendon-bone interface (TBI). Autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is used as a therapeutic agent to accelerate the healing of tendons, as it contains a variety of growth factors (GFs) and is easy to prepare. Graphene oxide (GO) is known to improve the physical properties of biomaterials and promote tissue repair. In this study, PRP gels containing various concentrations of GO were prepared to promote TBI healing and supraspinatus tendon reconstruction in a rabbit model. The incorporation of GO improved the ultrastructure and mechanical properties of the PRP gels. The gels containing 0.5 mg/mL GO (0.5GO/PRP) continuously released TGF-β1 and PDGF-AB, and the released TGF-β1 and PDGF-AB were still at high concentrations, ∼1063.451 pg/ml and ∼814.217 pg/ml, respectively, on the 14th day. In vitro assays showed that the 0.5GO/PRP gels had good biocompatibility and promoted BMSCs proliferation and osteogenic and chondrogenic differentiation. After 12 weeks of implantation, the MRI, μCT, and histological results indicated that the newly regenerated tendons in the 0.5GO/PRP group had a similar structure to natural tendons. Moreover, the biomechanical results showed that the newly formed tendons in the 0.5GO/PRP group had better biomechanical properties compared to those in the other groups, and had more stable TBI tissue. Therefore, the combination of PRP and GO has the potential to be a powerful advancement in the treatment of rotator cuff injuries.

Combination of autologous osteochondral and periosteum transplantation effectively promotes fibrocartilage regeneration at the tendon–bone junction of the rotator cuff in rabbits

“…For tensile testing, the specimen was placed on a material testing system (AG–X 10 kN, Shimadzu, Japan). The sample was fixed into the machine in the anatomical posture to allow the tensile loading of the tendon in the anatomical direction [1]. The specific tensile steps were as follows: (a) preconditioning: each specimen was first preconditioned with a tensile force of 5 N. The tensile cycle lasted 15 s and was performed three times.…”

Strategies for promoting tendon-bone healing: Current status and prospects

“…Graphene oxide (GO) can promote tissue repair by improving the physical properties of tissues. Bao et al (2021) prepared PRP gel containing different concentrations of GO to promote tendon-bone healing in rabbit tendon reconstruction model after RC injury. The results demonstrated that the addition of GO enhanced the biomechanical properties of the newly formed tendons and made the tendon-bone interface more stable.…”

Graphene-Oxide-Enriched Biomaterials: A Focus on Osteo and Chondroinductive Properties and Immunomodulation

“…In another study, autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) gels, containing various concentrations of GO, were prepared to promote tendon–bone interface healing and supraspinatus tendon reconstruction in a rabbit model. Again, the incorporation of GO improved the ultrastructure and mechanical properties of the PRP gels [ 22 ]. GO also enhances the characteristics of biomaterials used for skin wound dressing and wound healing.…”