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Updated: Jun 25, 2026
3D Hydrogel Scaffolds for Articular Chondrocyte Culture and Cartilage Generation
Published on: October 7, 2015
The properties of bioengineered chondrocyte sheets for cartilage regeneration
Genya Mitani1, Masato Sato, Jeong I K Lee
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Surgical Science, Tokai University School of Medicine, Kanagawa, Japan. genya@syd.odn.ne.jp
Background:
Although the clinical results of autologous chondrocyte implantation for articular cartilage defects have recently improved as a result of advanced techniques based on tissue engineering procedures, problems with cell handling and scaffold imperfections remain to be solved. A new cell-sheet technique has been developed, and is potentially able to overcome these obstacles. Chondrocyte sheets applicable to cartilage regeneration can be prepared with this cell-sheet technique using temperature-responsive culture dishes. However, for clinical application, it is necessary to evaluate the characteristics of the cells in these sheets and to identify their similarities to naive cartilage.
Results:
The expression of SOX 9, collagen type 2, 27, integrin alpha 10, and fibronectin genes in triple-layered chondrocyte sheets was significantly increased in comparison to those in conventional monolayer culture and in a single chondrocyte sheet, implying a nature similar to ordinary cartilage. In addition, immunohistochemistry demonstrated that collagen type II, fibronectin, and integrin alpha 10 were present in the triple-layered chondrocyte sheets.
Conclusion:
The results of this study indicate that these chondrocyte sheets with a consistent cartilaginous phenotype and adhesive properties may lead to a new strategy for cartilage regeneration.
