ENGINEERING OF CARTILAGE TISSUE USING BIORESORBABLE POLYMER CARRIERS IN PERFUSION CULTURE

Bioresorbable polymer fleeces with a high internal surface area were u sed as temporary matrices to establish three-dimensional cultures of i solated human articular chondrocytes. The polymer surface was coated w ith poly-L-lysine to support cell attachment. The resulting cell-polym er tissues were cultured in perfusion culture chambers to achieve a co nstant supply of nutrients by diffusion. Retention and accumulation of extracellular matrix components synthesized by the chondrocytes were improved by encapsulation of the cell-polymer integrate in agarose gel . The cell-polymer tissues formed abundant collagen fibrils in vitro w ith a typical cross-triation clearly visible in electron microscopy an alysis. Chondrocytes and intercellular matrix stained positively with monoclonal antibodies specific for differentiated chondrocytes and typ e II collagen. Synthesis of proteoglycans and collagen was also eviden t by further analysis with alcian blue and azan staining of cell-polym er tissue sections. The presented experimental tissue culture techniqu e offers a novel concept for the in vitro formation of vital cartilage implants for reconstructive surgery or treatment of destructive joint diseases and possibly for the in vitro engineering of human tissues i n general, with applications in drug testing and replacement of animal experiments.