Problems and prospects of bone-cartilage grafts′ preservation

Introduction. Articular hyaline cartilage has special structural and functional characteristics, which are critically important for preserving tissue grafts, containing cartilage elements. Allogeneic bone-cartilage grafts (BCG) could be very perspective in the treatment of joint defects. However, the widespread clinical use of BCG shows significant difficulties, associated with effective choice of preservation and sterilization methods.

The aim of the study was to analyze modern methods of allogeneic BCG-preserving, according to their effect on the structural integrity of tissue, biomechanical properties and cellular viability.

Material and methods. We systematized data from scientific publications selected in the Scopus, PubMed, eLibrary, and CyberLeninka databases for the period from 1980 to 2024, with a focus on research published over the past 15 years.

Results. Cryopreservation is considered as the most convenient method for long-term storage of BCG, however, its effectiveness significantly depends on the optimization of protocols, including the selection of adequate cryoprotectors, freezing and thawing modes. Lyophilization successfully allows to preserve bone part of BCG, but it causes significant deformation of cartilaginous part, loss of its structural organization and mechanical properties. BCG-storage in liquid culture media and solutions ensures short-term preservation of the graft (about 2–3 weeks), longer storage is accompanied with progressive decrease of biomechanical characteristics and the development of matrix edema. The use of chemical agents (aldehydes, alcohols, glycerol) for BCG-preservation seems impractical due to their pronounced cytotoxic effect and negative effect on tissue architecture. Supercritical CO₂ treatment is considered as potentially promising method, targeted on combining tissue sterilization and preservation of structural properties.

Conclusion. The development of effective methods for preserving allogeneic BCG, ensuring the maintenance of their structural and functional characteristics, remains an urgent interdisciplinary task, requiring integration of advances in cell biology, cryobiology and tissue engineering. At the current stage, cryopreservation is the most reasonable approach, while other methods require further experimental and clinical verification.

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