Effect of bovine pituitary extract on the formation of neocartilage in chitosan/gelatin scaffolds

This study investigates the influence of protein concentration in bovine pituitary extract (BPE) on the production of cartilaginous components in chitosan/gelatin (CG) scaffolds. Bovine knee chondrocytes (BKCs) in genipin-crosslinked CG scaffolds were cultured over 28 days for assessing the constructs. Scanning electron micrographs revealed that the pore structure of CG scaffolds was appropriate for cartilage tissue engineering. Also, an addition of BPE into culture medium stimulated the growth of BKCs on the pore surfaces of CG scaffolds. An increase in the protein concentration in BPE enhanced the amounts of BKCs, glycosaminoglycans and collagen. At a constant protein concentration in BPE, a scaffold prepared with a high concentration of biomaterial gels also favored the proliferation of BKCs and secretion of extracellular matrices. The histological and immunochemical staining showed chondrogenesis in the culture of BKCs using CG scaffolds and BPE-containing medium. In addition, type II collagen was synthesized in the constructs, demonstrating the chondrocytic phenotype of proliferated BKCs. Hence, combining CG scaffolds with BPE can be effectual in the regeneration of neocartilage.