A new device and method for detecting the permeability of articular cartilage

TL;DR

This paper introduces a new device and method to accurately measure the permeability of articular cartilage under realistic conditions, which could improve understanding and treatment of cartilage diseases.

Contribution

The study presents a novel modular device and method for measuring cartilage permeability with high accuracy and physiological relevance.

Findings

The device showed high repeatability and reproducibility with low coefficient of variation (CV ≤ 7.4%).

Osteoarthritic cartilage had higher permeability to sodium hyaluronate and interleukin-1β compared to normal cartilage.

The device successfully simulated the synovial fluid-cartilage-subchondral bone unit without leakage.

Abstract

Articular cartilage relies on synovial fluid for substance exchange, with permeability being a key parameter linked to its physiological functions and degenerative disease mechanisms. Existing detection techniques are limited by detachment from physiological mechanical environments, insufficient quantification accuracy, and poor sealing. This study aimed to develop an accurate, reliable, and physiologically relevant device and method for cartilage permeability detection.

Based on intra-articular convective transport and Darcy’s Law, a modular testing device (permeation, pressure supply, central control modules) was fabricated to simulate the synovial fluid–cartilage–subchondral bone unit under pressure. Porcine femoral condylar cartilage samples were tested with 4 N, 8 N, 16 N (n = 6, per group) constant pressure (1800 s) using an ElectroForce 3,200 system. Permeability coefficients were calculated via Darcy’s Law-derived formulas. Repeatability (single operator, fixed conditions, n = 6) and reproducibility (multiple operators, unified conditions, n = 6) were verified by CV and ANOVA. Human knee cartilage (n = 6) was used to validate practicality for clinical solutions. Data were analyzed with GraphPad Prism 9.5.

Friction force between the push rod and permeation tube was 2.5 N, with no leakage confirmed by eosin dye. Repeatability tests showed mean permeabilities of 1.50 × 10−17 m2, 1.05 × 10−17 m2 and 0.67 × 10−17 m2 at 4 N, 8 N, 16 N (CV ≤ 6.4%). Reproducibility tests yielded a mean permeability of 1.05 × 10−17 m2 (CV = 7.4%, P = 0.9776 > 0.05). Osteoarthritic (OA) cartilage exhibited higher permeability to sodium hyaluronate (0.99 × 10−17 m2) and interleukin-1β (1.39 × 10−17 m2) than normal cartilage (0.71 × 10−17 m2 and 1.39 × 10−17 m2).

The developed device and method address traditional limitations, featuring excellent physiological relevance, quantification accuracy, and stability. It provides a pivotal tool for studying cartilage physiology, OA pathology, optimizing repair materials and therapeutic strategies, and improving cartilage injury repair evaluation.

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