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3D Hydrogel Scaffolds for Articular Chondrocyte Culture and Cartilage Generation
Published on: October 7, 2015
Scaffold-assisted cartilage tissue engineering using infant chondrocytes from human hip cartilage
P C Kreuz1, C Gentili, B Samans
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University Medical Center Rostock, Doberanerstrasse 142, 18057 Rostock, Germany.
Osteoarthritis and Cartilage
|October 8, 2013
Summary
Infant hip chondrocytes in polyglycolic acid (PGA)-fibrin scaffolds show potential for cartilage repair. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) addition improved hyaline cartilage formation, overcoming limitations of heterogeneous donor tissue.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics and Regenerative Medicine
- Tissue Engineering
- Cartilage Biology
Background:
- Studies on hip cartilage repair using infant chondrocytes are limited.
- Infant articular chondrocytes offer a potential cell source for cartilage tissue engineering.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate infant articular hip chondrocytes for scaffold-assisted cartilage graft engineering.
- To assess chondrocyte redifferentiation and cartilage matrix formation in vitro and in vivo.
Main Methods:
- Hip cartilage from 5 donors (1-10 years) was used.
- Chondrocytes were expanded and cultured in polyglycolic acid (PGA)-fibrin scaffolds.
- In vivo assessment involved subcutaneous transplantation in immunocompromised mice.
Main Results:
- Expanded chondrocytes re-expressed chondrocytic markers when cultured in PGA-fibrin scaffolds.
- Subcutaneous grafts showed variable cartilage formation, including resorption and hyaline cartilage.
- Addition of human platelet-rich plasma (PRP) robustly promoted hyaline-like cartilage formation.
Conclusions:
- Culture in PGA-fibrin scaffolds can re-differentiate infant hip chondrocytes.
- Heterogeneous donor tissue poses a risk for cartilage repair failure.
- PRP addition may overcome limitations associated with immature chondrocytes and improve graft outcomes.
