Tissue Engineering Cartilage Generated From Cryogenic Chondrocytes And Cryogenically Preserved

It is generally agreed among surgeons performing head and neck reconstructive surgery that autogenetic cartilage is the best implant to use when repairing cartilaginous defects. It has a firm, nonbendable quality that gives it superior supportive properties. It is usually preferable to allografts, which can be rejected by the body. Moreover, the optimal reconstructive situation usually entails taking some of the patient's own cartilage and moving it to a region where it can lend more support. Unfortunately, there is only a finite amount of cartilage available in a person. A potential answer to this dilemma is the in vitro growth of cartilage from chondrocytes.Many investigators have attempted to preserve functional chondrocytes, both isolated and in a matrix, in an attempt to transplant viable tissue that is capable of functioning like cartilage. Cryopreservation is one method of long-term preservation of transplant tissues like cartilage, chondrocytes, with the ability to store and transplant viable chondrocytes, might improve the functional survival of these cartilage grafts. In our laboratory, we have successfully grown hyaline cartelage from rabbit cryogenic chondrocytes using serum and serum free media. We have investigated the formation of cell scaffolding constructs. We have been able to show evidence of hyaline cartilage formation by this method and have placed emphasis on histologic examination to determine the cellularity as well as the phenotypic matrixfonnation.The focus of the present study is to valuate the feasibility of using cryogenic cells for the growth of cartilage.Objective To study the ability of cryogenically frozen chondrocytes which cultured on a 3-dimensional biodegradable scaffolding material. Methods In this experiment, cryogenically frozen chondrocytes were thawed and cultured in a monolayer in serum-based chondrocyte media. They were seeded onto 3-dimensional biopolymer scaffolds in a spinner flask for 1 weeks. The seeded constructs were then transferred to rabbits for 12 weeks. Chondrocyte growth and extracellular matrix production in the constructs were confirmed by histologic analysis. Results Histologic sections stained with hematoxylin-eosin and Alcian blue (for acidic proteoglycans) and masson(for collagen)confirmed the presence of hyaline cartilage in the cartilage constructs.There was no difference in cryopreserved and noncryopreserved chondrocytes. Conclusions This study proves that chondrocytes that are cryogenically stored for extended periods can be used to grow cartilage. Cryogenically preserved chondrocytes retain their ability to grow in tissue culture, redifferentiate, and produce extracellular matrix.Objective To study the ability of cryogenically preserved tissue engineering cartilage. Methods In this experiment, cryogenically frozen tissue engineering cartilages ware thawed and cultured in a monolayer. After a week,the tissue engineering cartilages ware then transferred to rabbits for 12 weeks. Chondrocyte growth and extracellular matrix production in the constructs were confirmed by cell count,cell viability,and histologic analysis and by electron microscopy. Results Histologic sections stained with hematoxylin-eosin and Alcian blue (for acidic proteoglycans) and masson(for collagen)confirmed the presence of hyaline cartilage in the cartilage constructs. Ultrastructural examination using microscopy demonstrated matrix formation and chondrocyte viability.There was no difference in cryopreserved and noncryopreserved tissue engineering cartilage. Conclusions This study...