Effects of refrigeration and freezing on the electromechanical and biomechanical properties of articular cartilage

Abstract — Editorial summary

This laboratory study tested how refrigeration and one freeze–thaw cycle affect young bovine cartilage. Streaming-potential measurements, compression tests and histology were used to examine tissue stored at 4°C for six or twelve days, or frozen once at −20°C. Six days of refrigeration produced no detectable deterioration in the measured functional properties. After twelve days, electromechanical signals and stiffness declined substantially and permeability increased. A single freeze–thaw cycle caused little detectable mechanical change and a small downward trend in the streaming-potential measurement. The findings help define storage conditions for cartilage experiments and emphasize careful thawing.

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