Journal article

The in vitro and in vivo capacity of culture-expanded human cells from several sources encapsulated in alginate to form cartilage

MM Pleumeekers, L Nimeskern, WLM Koevoet, N Kops, RML Poublon, KS Stok, GJVM Van Osch

European Cells and Materials | AO RESEARCH INSTITUTE DAVOS-ARI | Published : 2014

Abstract

Cartilage has limited self-regenerative capacity. Tissue engineering can offer promising solutions for reconstruction of missing or damaged cartilage. A major challenge herein is to define an appropriate cell source that is capable of generating a stable and functional matrix. This study evaluated the performance of culture-expanded human chondrocytes from ear (EC), nose (NC) and articular joint (AC), as well as bone-marrow-derived and adipose-tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells both in vitro and in vivo. All cells (≥ 3 donors per source) were culture-expanded, encapsulated in alginate and cultured for 5 weeks. Subsequently, constructs were implanted subcutaneously for 8 additional weeks. ..

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University of Melbourne Researchers

Grants

Awarded by SenterNovem


Funding Acknowledgements

The authors thank the Departments of Orthopaedic Surgery, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and Otorhinolaryngology at Erasmus MC for their assistance in obtaining ear, nasal and articular cartilage as well as bone marrow and adipose tissue, and CellMed (Alzenau, Germany) for providing the clinical grade alginate. The study was performed within the framework of EuroNanoMed (EAREG-406340-131009/1) and funded by SenterNovem (ENM09001). We wish to confirm that there are no known conflicts of interest associated with this publication and there has been no significant financial support for this work that could have influenced its outcome.