Decellularized periosteum as a potential biologic scaffold for bone tissue engineering.

Bone grafting or bone substitute is typically used to bridge a bone defect that has been caused by trauma, tumor resection, pathological degeneration, or congenital deformations. However, bone graft healing and remodeling is always a major concern of orthopedic surgeons. Because the periosteum has a remarkable regenerative capacity and is widely recognized to be essential for the initiation of bone graft healing and remodeling, the present study aimed to produce a rabbit decellularized periosteum (D-periosteum) to be used as a biologic scaffold for future bone tissue engineering. We obtained the D-periosteum by employing a combination of commonly used decellularization processes, which include physical methods as well as chemical and enzymatic solutions. The cellular components were effectively removed, and this removal was demonstrated using current decellularization criteria (H&E staining, DAPI staining, DNA quantification and agarose gel electrophoresis); however, there were no significant alterations of the native extracellular matrix (ECM) properties (collagen, glycosaminoglycan (GAG), microarchitecture and mechanical properties). Periosteum-derived cells (PDCs) could adhere, proliferate and infiltrate into the D-periosteum in vitro. The allogenic D-periosteum was implanted subcutaneously into the backs of rabbits over 28 days to study the biocompatibility in vivo. The D-periosteum did not elicit a severe immunogenic response. In summary, a biologic scaffold composed of ECM from periosteum has been successfully developed. The D-periosteum maintains biocompatibility in vitro and in vivo and, therefore, can provide a naturally compatible scaffold for use in future bone tissue engineering.