Tissue-Engineered Cartilage on Biodegradable Macroporous Scaffolds: Cell Shape and Phenotypic Expression†
Supported by a grant from Samsung Biomedical Research Institute.
Abstract
Objective The purpose of the study was to establish in vitro culture of chondrocytes on biodegradable, poly(D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) [PLGA] scaffolds.
Study Design Laboratory experiment using cartilage of rat rib and biodegradable scaffolds.
Methods Chondrocytes were cultured on a poly-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (poly-HEMA)–coated dish, proliferated, and transferred into the PLGA scaffolds. Phenotypic expression of cells was examined according to the condition of poly-HEMA coating. Morphological, biochemical, and immunohistochemical characteristics of cells cultured within PLGA scaffolds were also examined.
Results Chondrocytes cultured on a poly-HEMA–coated dish aggregated into distinct nodules containing large clusters of spherical cells and showed cartilage-specific phenotype, collagen type II. The results of immunostaining and reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction of cells cultured within PLGA scaffolds showed cartilage-specific morphological appearance and structural characteristics such as lacunae and expression of collagen type II.
Conclusion The chondrocytes cultured on a poly-HEMA–coated dish and PLGA scaffolds showed chondrocyte-specific phenotypes and morphological appearance.
