Interaction of cultured chondrocytes with chitosan scaffold

Chitosan scaffolds with sponge-like structures were prepared by a wet spinn ing technique. Glutaraldehyde was used to control the swellability (water u ptake) of the scaffolds. It was possible to reach a swelling ratio about 56 .8% in aqueous medium. These wet scaffolds were soft and easily shaped by h and. The cartilage specimen was obtained from the knee joints of a New Zeal and white rabbit. Chondrocyte cells were isolated and cultured in vitro for about 10 days to reach a usable population. The cells were then incubated with the chitosan scaffolds and interactions were examined by microscopy. C hondrocyte cells showed junctional complexes consisting of plaques and fila ments at the interface. Cell membranes were strongly attached on the chitos an surface.