Tissue engineering of osteochondral constructs in vitro using bioreactors

Articular cartilage is a relatively simple tissue, but has a limited capacity of restoration. Tissue engineering is a promising field that seeks to accomplish the in vitro generation of complex, functional, 3-dimensional tissues. Various cell types and scaffolds have been tested for these purposes. The results of tissue engineered cartilage and bone are as yet inferior to native tissue. Strain and perfusion have been shown to stimulate cell proliferation and differentiation of various cell phenotypes. The perfect protocol to produce articular cartilage has not been defined yet. Bioreactors could provide the environment to engineer osteochondral constructs in vitro and to provide a stress protocol. The bioreactor has to provide an economically viable approach to automated manufacture of functional grafts under clinical aspects. Composite engineered tissues, like an engineered joint, represent a future goal. Cross-disciplinary approaches are necessary in order to succeed in engineering osteochondral grafts that provide adequate primary biomechanical stability and incorporate rapidly in vivo with histological appearance close to healthy osteochondral tissue. This review surveys current clinical and experimental concepts and discusses challenges and future expectations in this advancing field of regenerative medicine focusing human osteochondral constructs in bioreactors.