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Optimization effect of 3% hydrogen peroxide on allogeneic human tendons

rehabilitation
sports-medicine

Abstract

Background: Porosity and pore size are critical determinants of tendon healing, as they modulate cell infiltration, nutrient transport, and extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling. Herein, we aimed to investigate whether treatment of allogeneic human tendons with 3% hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) could enhance their pore size and porosity. This was evaluated via physical, chemical, electron microscopic, histological, and biomechanical analyses.

Methods: We examined the effects of different durations of 3% H₂O₂ treatment on the porosity and collagen fiber integrity of allogeneic human tendons. The optimal treatment duration was identified, and its impacts on multiple tendon indices were analyzed using biomechanical testing, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and histological staining.

Results: Using the Archimedes method and anti-enzymatic hydrolysis assays, we demonstrated that 5-minute treatment with 3% H₂O₂ significantly increased tendon porosity while inducing minimal collagen fiber damage. Biomechanical testing showed no significant difference in ultimate tensile load (UTL) between the 5-minute treatment group and the control group. Mercury porosimetry further revealed that the average pore diameter of the 5-minute group was significantly larger than that of the control group. TEM and SEM images confirmed lower collagen fiber density in the 5-minute group compared to the control group, which was further validated by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Masson’s trichrome staining.

Conclusions: Our findings indicate that 5-minute treatment with 3% H₂O₂ effectively enhances the porosity and pore size of allogeneic human tendons without compromising their key mechanical properties. This optimized protocol provides a foundational basis for future in vivo studies on tendon transplantation and repair.

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