Atomic force microscopy reveals age-dependent changes in nanomechanical properties of the extracellular matrix of native human menisci: implications for joint degeneration and osteoarthritis

The menisci play an important role in the complex biomechanics of the knee joint. Age-related meniscal degeneration leads to biochemical and biomechanical changes in the extracellular matrix (ECM) that precipitate the development of osteoarthritis (OA). In this study, the nanomechanical properties of the ECM of normal, aged, and degenerated native human menisci were determined by atomic force microscopy (AFM). In summary, AFM reveals age-dependent changes in nanomechanical properties with distinct regional profiles that underlie tissue degeneration and OA. Such understanding would develop novel therapeutics and support regenerative tissue engineering for the prevention and treatment of OA.181