Bioartificial cartilage

Cartilage is a highly differentiated tissue. Its three-dimensional composit ion of cells and matrix is able to resist intensive mechanical loads. The c apacity of cartilage tissue for regeneration is limited. Chondrocytes are r esponsible for matrix production of cartilage tissue. Enzymatic isolation a nd expansion of chondrocytes with cell culture techniques has been improved in the last years. These cells can be cultured on different three-dimensio nal culture systems suitable for transplantation to repair localized cartil age defects. Two types of bioresorbable polymer fleece matrices (PLLA and a composite fleece of polydioxanone and polyglactin) and lyophilized dura as a biological carrier are tested. Phenotypic and morphological appearance o f the cultured articular rabbit chondrocytes is preserved on all three type s of transport media. Production of glycosaminoglycans has been shown by Al cian blue staining, production of collagen by azan staining. Chondroitin 4- and 6-sulfate are detected immunohistochemically in the created constructs . The different carriers have specific characteristics regarding their suit ability for the creation of bioartificial cartilage. This tissue is transpl antable into articular cartilage defects and could, therefore, improve the minor intrinsic healing capacity of cartilage tissue. Copyright (C) 2000 S. Karger AG,Basel.