Three-dimensional culture of feline articular chondrocytes in alginate microspheres

Chondrocytes isolated from proximal femoral articular cartilage from 3 adult cat cadavers were expanded in monolayer culture and subsequently cultured in alginate microspheres for 24 days. Cell proliferation and production of proteoglycans in alginate microspheres were observed during day 18 and 24. Quantification of chondroitin sulfates (CS) by capillary electrophoresis revealed that cultured chondrocytes synthesized CS6 but not CS4. Three-dimensional culture using alginate microspheres is a useful in vitro technique to study proliferation and metabolism of chondrocytes; however, further modifications are needed to apply the technique to feline articular chondrocytes.