Use of Autologous Chondrocytes and Bioinert Perforated Chambers to Tissue Engineer Cartilage In Vivo

ObjectiveTo explore the potential applications of a chamber for in vivo tissue engineering, and to establish a novel model for in vivo tissue-engineered cartilage.MethodsFour experimental groups were included in this study: (A) chambers + chondrocytes/collagen gel; (B) chambers + chondrocytes/PLGA gel; (C) chondrocytes/collagen gel alone; and (D) chondrocytes/PLGA gel alone. Groups C and D served as controls. The samples were implanted subcutaneously in the donor rabbit, and the contents were harvested at 8 wk after implantation.ResultsHistologic and immunohistochemical staining and RT-PCR results revealed regenerated cartilage-like tissue in group B and small, irregularly shaped islands of opalescent tissue in group A. In contrast, the control groups displayed vascular invasion and inflammatory reaction, which eventually led to fibrosis and absorption.ConclusionsReproduced cartilages were obtained in an immunocompetent animal model through the use of a bioinert perforated chamber.