Fabrication of N-methyl morpholine-N-oxide modified bacterial exopolysaccharide as natural scaffold toward effective cartilage regeneration in monosodium iodoacetate induced experimental osteoarthritis

A non-pathogenic strain of Ochrobactrum pseudintermedium C1 produces potent surface-active exopolysaccharides which exhibits a porous scaffold-like architecture. Such a property is quite prospective in facilitating housing of cells for in vivo tissue regeneration. This surfactant exopolysaccharide has been fabricated for augmenting such regenerative properties. Different vital parameters of the fabricated EPS like surface morphology, swelling behavior, in vitro degradation study, cytotoxicity and biocompatibility have been evaluated which helped postulate the applicative profile of this natural scaffold. Further, Ochrobactrum-borne fabricated EPS, when applied as a scaffold in monosodium iodoacetate induced experimental osteoarthritis in Wistar rat model, helped significant chondrogenesis without leaving any residual amount of scaffold. The functional restoration of knee joints, assessment of chondroitin sulfate in damaged cartilage, diminution of stress induced indicators like reactive oxygen metabolite and histopathological findings quite appreciably favored the objectives. Moreover, a single high dose exhibited considerable efficacy compared to repetitive targeted administration of the scaffold at regular intervals. Thus, this novel biological macromolecule offers a green and cost-effective alternative to various commercially available synthetic scaffolds that promote tissue regeneration.