Osmolarity effects on bovine articular chondrocytes during three-dimensional culture in alginate beads

SummaryObjectiveWith the development of engineered cartilage, the determination of the appropriate culture conditions is vital in order to maximize extracellular matrix synthesis. As osmolarity could affect the fate of chondrocytes, the purpose of this study was to determine the effects of osmolarity on chondrocytes during relatively long-term culture.DesignBovine articular chondrocytes were cultured in alginate beads in a biocarbonate free system at 280, 380 and 550mOsm at pH 7.4 for up to 12 days, respectively. Cell volume, intracellular pH (pHi), cell number, glucosaminoglycan (GAG) and collagen retention were measured at day 5 and 12. Cell viability and volume were monitored over the 12 days of culture.ResultsBy day 5 and 12, compared to the cell volume at 380mOsm, around 20% (P<0.01) swelling and 15% (P