Investigating the histological and structural properties of tendon gel as an artificial biomaterial using the film model method in rabbits

Tendon gel, a substance formed during intrinsic tendon regeneration using the film model method, could be a promising artificial biomaterial for revolutionizing tendon healing treatments. Using a rabbit model, this study aimed to detect the properties of tendon gel by investigating the histological and structural differences among tendon gels under different preservation periods. Forty mature female rabbits were divided into four groups of ten rabbits. Achilles tendon rupture models were established using the film model method to obtain tendon gels. A tensile stress was applied to the tendon gel to promote maturation. Although the day-3 and -5 tendon gels were histologically more immature than the day-10 and -15 ones prior to the application of tensile stress, type I collagen fibers equivalent to those of normal tendons were observed in all groups after the tensile process. According to surface and molecular structural evaluations, day-3 tendon gels following tensile process were molecularly cross-linked, and thick collagen fibers similar to those present in normal tendons were observed. Structural maturation observed in day-3 tendon gels caused by traction was hardly observed in day-5, -10, and -15 tendon gels. Hence, the day-3 tendon gel was considered as a novel biomaterial with the best regenerative potential.