Arch Plast Surg.  2013 Nov;40(6):676-686. 10.5999/aps.2013.40.6.676.

Latent Transforming Growth Factor-beta1 Functionalised Electrospun Scaffolds Promote Human Cartilage Differentiation: Towards an Engineered Cartilage Construct

• Lim EH
• Sardinha J
• Myers S
• Stevens M

• KMID: 2167853
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5999/aps.2013.40.6.676

Abstract

BACKGROUND
To overcome the potential drawbacks of a short half-life and dose-related adverse effects of using active transforming growth factor-beta 1 for cartilage engineering, a cell-mediated latent growth factor activation strategy was developed incorporating latent transforming growth factor-beta1 (LTGF) into an electrospun poly(L-lactide) scaffold.
METHODS
The electrospun scaffold was surface modified with NH3 plasma and biofunctionalised with LTGF to produce both random and orientated biofunctionalised electrospun scaffolds. Scaffold surface chemical analysis and growth factor bioavailability assays were performed. In vitro biocompatibility and human nasal chondrocyte gene expression with these biofunctionalised electrospun scaffold templates were assessed. In vivo chondrogenic activity and chondrocyte gene expression were evaluated in athymic rats.
RESULTS
Chemical analysis demonstrated that LTGF anchored to the scaffolds was available for enzymatic, chemical and cell activation. The biofunctionalised scaffolds were non-toxic. Gene expression suggested chondrocyte re-differentiation after 14 days in culture. By 6 weeks, the implanted biofunctionalised scaffolds had induced highly passaged chondrocytes to re-express Col2A1 and produce type II collagen.
CONCLUSIONS
We have demonstrated a proof of concept for cell-mediated activation of anchored growth factors using a novel biofunctionalised scaffold in cartilage engineering. This presents a platform for development of protein delivery systems and for tissue engineering.

Keyword

Transforming growth factor beta1; Guided tissue regeneration; Biomimetics; Tissue scaffolds; Cartilage

MeSH Terms

Biological Availability
Biomimetics
Cartilage*
Chondrocytes
Gene Expression
Guided Tissue Regeneration
Half-Life
Humans*
Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
Plasma
Polyesters
Tissue Engineering
Tissue Scaffolds
Transforming Growth Factor beta1
Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
Polyesters
Transforming Growth Factor beta1