Fibrochondrocytes ingrowth on PLDLA/PCL-T scaffolds asmeniscus prosthesis

Author(s)

Andrea Rodrigues Esposito

• Document type: Master's Dissertation
• Press: Campinas, SP.
• Institution: Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Faculdade de Engenharia Mecânica
• Defense date: 2010-02-25

Examining board members

Eliana Aparecida de Rezende Duek; Cecília Amélia de Carvalho Zavaglia; Arnaldo Rodrigues dos Santos Junior

• Advisor: Eliana Aparecida de Rezende Duek

Abstract

Tissue engineering of meniscus using fibrochondrocyte-like cells and bioreabsorbable polymer scaffolds could be an alternative option to treat meniscus injury. In this study PLDLA/PCL-T (90/10) scaffolds containing sucrose (50% m/v) were obtained by casting. Allogeneic meniscal cells were isolated from rabbit meniscus and directly seeded onto the scaffolds. In vitro studies showed that scaffolds did not present cytotoxicity and allowed fibrochondrocytes adhesion and ingrowth, as well as collagen extracellular matrix synthesis at 7, 14, 21 and 28 days of culture. The PLDLA/PCL-T implants were performed in the medial meniscus of 20 rabbit knee after total meniscectomy, obtained three treatments: pre-seeded 21 days scaffold, unseeded scaffold and control. Histology analysis of "neomenisci" sections at 12 and 24 weeks revealed the presence of fibrocartilage in the polymer implants. The presence of mature fibrocartilaginous tissue with organized collagen fibers was predominantly observed in the pre-cultured implants compared to unseeded implants after 24 weeks. This study demonstrates that regeneration of an important fibrocartilaginous structure can be achieved using a bioreabsorbable polymer scaffold and allogeneic cells-based tissue engineering approaches (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 08/01963-9 - Fibrochondrocytes Grown on PLGA Scaffods for meniscus prothesis application
• Grantee: Andrea Rodrigues Espósito Cabrera
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master