(OP 131) Frictional Properties of Tissue Engineered Cartilage Generated Using Standard or Bioreactor Culture

• Published in: Tissue engineering. Part A 2008-05, Vol.14 (5), p.737-737
• Main Authors: Plainfosse, M, Hatton, P V, Crawford, A, Katta, J, Jin, Z M, Fisher, J
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1937-3341; 1937-335X

Introduction: Tissue engineered (TE) cartilage may, in the future be used to repair articular cartilage in joints and restore the low frictional properties of the surfaces. Research to date suggested that the properties of constructs cultured using standard culture conditions (orbital shaker) were inferior to those of native articular cartilage. Advanced culture conditions in bioreactors might therefore be essential to engineer a functional tissue with low friction properties. Objective: This study compared the fictional properties of TE cartilage cultured under standard culture conditions and a rotating wall vessel (RWV). Methods: TE cartilage constructs were cultured under standard conditions and in a RWV. Indentation and start-up friction tests were performed with PBS as a lubricant. The presence of GAGs, type I and II collagen were investigated. Results: All the constructs exhibited a time-dependent increase in deformation and friction during the tests. The friction values were however, lower for the constructs cultured in the RWV ( mu 20min = 0.20 plus or minus 0.02) than those under the semi static culture conditions ( mu 20 min = 0.25 plus or minus 0.06), and closer to native tissue ( mu 20 min = 0.20 plus or minus 0.05). The composition of the extracellular matrix of the constructs cultured in the RWV was also superior. Conclusion: TE constructs from the bioreactor showed functional properties including low friction in common with native tissue. By using these more advanced culture conditions, it was possible to improve the biological quality and frictional properties of TE cartilage.