Engineering Autogenous Cartilage Using PLA Coated PGA Chondrocyte Complex

Kim, Woo Seob

Abstract

Previous successful results of neocartilage formation using tissue engineering technique in immunocompromised nude mouse xenograft model were reported. For clinical application, autogenous cell is preferrable to allogenic or xenogenic cell for circumvention of immune rejection. This study evaluates the feasibility of producing a engineered cartilage using autogenous chondrocytes. Chondrocytes were isolated from the auricular cartilage of New Zealand White rabbit and seeded onto PGA polymer coated with polylactic acid in round pattern(diameter 0.7 cm, thickness 0.1 cm) at a concentration 7 x 10(7) chondrocytes per cm3. Each Autogenous Cell-polymer constructs were implanted subcutaneously into the left side of dorsum of twelve rabbits. Polymer templates not containg cells were implanted into the right side as a control. Twelve rabbits were sacrificed at the following intervals: 5 rabbits at nine weeks, 7 rabbits at twelve weeks New autogenous cartilage formation which retained the approximate dimensions of original round polymer template in 11 of 12 cell seeded implants. Histological examination using hematoxyline and eosin stain revealed vast majority of implants developed into mature cartilage. This study opens up the possibility of autologus cell transplant to construct autogenous cartilge.