Cartilage extraceullular matrix-derived scaffolds for joint regeneration

THESIS 11076The goal of this thesis was to address key limitations associated with autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) for articular cartilage regeneration, specifically the need for two hospital stays, cell culture and high cost. As an alternative, this thesis explored the combination of freshly isolated stromal cells and a novel chondroinductive scaffold as a putative alternative to ACI. Consequently, the first objective of this thesis was to develop and optimize a chondro-permissive device able to deliver stem cells and other chondrogenic factors. Extracellular matrix (ECM)-derived materials have previously been used to enhance cartilaginous tissue formation and regeneration. Hence, the first step was to develop a scaffold derived from articular cartilage ECM that could be used as a growth factor delivery system to promote chondrogenesis. Porous scaffolds were fabricated using devitalized cartilage, which were then seeded with human infrapatellar fat pad-derived stem cells (FPSCs). It was found that these scaffolds promoted chondrogenesis, especially when stimulated with transforming growth factor (TGF)-?3. The superior chondrogenesis in the presence of exogenously supplied TGF-?3, led to explore whether this scaffold could be used as a growth factor delivery system. When these scaffolds were loaded with TGF-?3, comparable chondrogenesis to continuous adding TGF-?3 to the media was observed