CULTURE OF CHONDROCYTES IN ALGINATE AND COLLAGEN CARRIER GELS

In this in vitro study, we compared the potential of collagen and algi nate gels as carriers for chondrocyte transplantation and we studied t he influence of demineralized bone matrix (DBM) on chondrocytes in the gels. Chondrocytes were assessed for cell viability, phenotype (histo logy), proliferation rate and sulfate incorporation. Collagen gels sho wed a significant increase in cell numbers, but the chondrocytes dedif ferentiated into fibroblast-like cells from day 6 onwards. In alginate gels, initial cell loss was found, but the cells maintained their typ ical chondrocyte phenotype. Although the total quantity of proteoglyca ns initially synthesized per cell in collagen gel was significantly hi gher, expressed per cell, the quantity in alginate gel eventually surp assed collagen. No effects of culturing chondrocytes in combination wi th DBM could be demonstrated on cell proliferation and sulfate incorpo ration. The collagen and alginate gels have different advantages as ca rriers for chondrocyte transplantation. The high proliferation rate of chondrocytes in collagen gel may be an advantage, but the preservatio n of the chondrocyte phenotype and the gradually increasing proteoglyc an synthesis in alginate gel is a promising method for creating a hyal ine cartilage implant in vitro.