A method for tissue engineering of cartilage by cell seeding on bioresorbable scaffolds

This chapter describes a method for the in vitro generation of a 3-dimensional cartilage matrix from articular chondrocytes seeded onto a bioresorbable polymeric scaffold. This particular growth system was chosen for the subject of this chapter owing to the relative simplicity of the methods required and the ease with which the necessary materials can be obtained. The tissue produced using this protocol is a cellular, metabolically active hyaline-like matrix, containing the major cartilage constituents: sulfated proteoglycan, collagen type II, and water. It serves as a useful in vitro tool for studying the influence of various mechanical and chemical factors on cartilage metabolism, as well as providing an implantable material for in vivo cartilage repair studies.