Development of hybrid artificial meniscus using atmospheric-pressure low-temperature plasma

2009 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20890131
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (Start-up)
• Allocation Type: Single-year Grants
• Research Field: Orthopaedic surgery
• Research Institution: Shimane University
• Principal Investigator: KUWATA Suguru Shimane University, 医学部, 助教 (80509000)
• Project Period (FY): 2008 – 2009
• Keywords: 半月板損傷 / プラズマ

Research Abstract

We prepared a hybrid meniscus where cells are adhered on the implant surface with certain strength. Plasma technology was applied to promote adhesion of cells and the influence of irradiation to cells was examined. It was revealed that irradiation to an artificial material promotes adhesion of cells and that direct in-vivo irradiation is a safe method. We considered it would be possible to prepare a hybrid meniscus, and to induce marginal synovial cells by irradiation to the intra-articular tissue during surgery to reproduce such tissue.