In vitro growth and activity of primary chondrocytes on a resorbable polylactide three-dimensional scaffold

Sheep articular chondrocytes were cultured for 3, 6, and 9 weeks on a three -dimensional porous scaffold from poly(L/DL-lactide) 80/20%. Cell growth an d activity was estimated from the amount of proteoglycans attached to the p olylactide scaffold and the amounts of DNA and protein measured in the cell lysate. Cell morphology was assessed from scanning electron microscopy. Hi stochemical staining of proteoglycans present in the sponge was used to vis ualize the chondrocyte ingrowth in the scaffold, The amounts of DNA, protei ns, and proteoglycans increased with time of culturing. Chondrocytes on the polylactide scaffold maintained their round shape. The cell ingrowth into the sponge progressed with time of culturing and proceeded from the upper s urface of the sponge toward its lower surface. At 9 weeks, the chondrocytes filled the whole scaffold and reached the opposite side of the sponge. The proteoglycans network was, however, more dense at the upper half of the sc affold. (C) 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.