Application of tissue‐derived extracellular matrix (ECM) biomaterials in the repair of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disc is a promising approach for the treatment of disc abrasion and perforation, particularly for the young patient population. Although decellularized ECM (dECM) scaffolds preserve tissue‐specific structures as well as biological and biomechanical properties, they require surgical implantation. To address this issue, we prepared porcine TMJ discs into decellularized ECM with serial detergent and enzyme treatments, and the TMJ disc‐derived ECM was then processed into hydrogels via pepsin digestion. The decellularization efficiency was assessed by quantification of the DNA and matrix component contents. The fibrous ultrastructure of the hydrogel was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Rheological characterization and mechanical properties were measured. in vitro experiments with costal chondrocytes ensured the cellular proliferative capacity and compatibility in the injectable disc‐derived ECM hydrogel. The results showed that a large amount of DNA (>95%) was removed after decellularization; but, the collagen was retained. SEM of the hydrogels demonstrated a multiaperture fiber ultrastructure. Rheological studies revealed a rapid gelation temperature (37°C) and injectable properties. The mechanical properties of the hydrogels were adjusted by changing the ECM concentration. The in vitro studies revealed that the hydrogels are not cytotoxic, but instead showed good cytocompatibility. The hydrogel also showed good injectability and degradability through an in vivo study. Overall, these results suggest the great potential of injectable disc‐derived hydrogels for TMJ disc repair and regeneration applications.

中文翻译：

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用于修复颞下颌关节盘的脱细胞基质水凝胶。

组织来源的细胞外基质 (ECM) 生物材料在颞下颌关节 (TMJ) 椎间盘修复中的应用是治疗椎间盘磨损和穿孔的一种很有前景的方法，特别是对于年轻患者群体。尽管脱细胞 ECM (dECM) 支架保留了组织特异性结构以及生物学和生物力学特性，但它们需要手术植入。为了解决这个问题，我们用连续的洗涤剂和酶处理将猪 TMJ 椎间盘制备成脱细胞 ECM，然后通过胃蛋白酶消化将 TMJ 椎间盘衍生的 ECM 加工成水凝胶。通过量化 DNA 和基质成分含量来评估脱细胞效率。通过扫描电子显微镜（SEM）观察水凝胶的纤维超微结构。测量了流变特性和机械性能。肋软骨细胞的体外实验确保了可注射椎间盘衍生的 ECM 水凝胶的细胞增殖能力和相容性。结果表明，脱细胞后大量DNA（>95%）被去除；但是，胶原蛋白被保留了下来。水凝胶的 SEM 证明了多孔纤维超微结构。流变学研究揭示了快速凝胶化温度 (37°C) 和可注射特性。通过改变 ECM 浓度来调整水凝胶的机械性能。体外研究表明，水凝胶没有细胞毒性，但表现出良好的细胞相容性。通过体内研究，水凝胶还显示出良好的可注射性和可降解性。总体，