Three-Dimensional Tendon Scaffold Loaded with TGF-β1 Gene Silencing Plasmid Prevents Tendon Adhesion and Promotes Tendon Repair

Tendon adhesion formation is associated with the aberrant expression of many genes, and interfering with the expression of these genes can prevent adhesion and promote tendon repair. Recent studies have found that silencing the transforming growth factor β-1 (TGF-β1) gene can reduce the occurrence of tendon adhesions. The development of tissue engineering and three-dimensional (3D) printing technology have provided new solutions for tendon repair. In this study, TGF-β1 gene silencing microRNA (miRNA) based RNAi plasmid was loaded on a 3D tendon scaffold using 3D printing technology. In vitro experiments confirmed the sustained release of plasmid and the good biocompatibility of the printed tendon scaffold. Subsequently, the TGF-β1 gene silencing plasmid loaded tendon scaffold was implanted in a chicken tendon defect model to evaluate the effect of the scaffold in vivo. The results from biomechanical tests and histological examinations showed that the scaffold not only promoted tendon regeneration but also prevented tendon adhesion, which was conducive to the recovery of biofunction. Evaluation of protein expression showed that the loaded plasmids prevented tendon adhesion and promoted tendon functional repair via silencing of the TGF-β1 gene.