title: Evidence for redifferentiation of human chondrocytes grown on a hyaluronan-based biomaterial (HYAff 11): molecular, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural analysis.
abstract: Association of biomaterials with autologous cells can provide a new generation of implantable devices for cartilage repair. Such scaffolds should provide a preformed three-dimensional shape and prevent cells from escaping into the articular cavity. Furthermore, these constructs should have sufficient mechanical strength to facilitate handling in a clinical setting and stimulate the uniform spreading of cells and their phenotype redifferentiation. The aim of this study was to verify the ability of HYAFF 11, a recently developed hyaluronic-acid-based biodegradable polymer, to support the growth of human chondrocytes and to maintain their original phenotype. This capability was assessed by the evaluation of collagen types I, II and aggrecan mRNA expression. Immunohistochemical analyses were also performed to evaluate collagen types I, II and proteoglycans synthesis. A field emission in lens scanning microscopy was utilized to verify the interactions between the cells and the biomaterial. Our data indicate that human chondrocytes seeded on HYAFF 11 express and produce collagen type II and aggrecan and downregulate the production of collagen type I. These results provide an in vitro demonstration for the therapeutic potential of HYAFF 11 as a delivery vehicle in a tissue-engineered approach towards the repair of articular cartilage defects.
authors.affiliation: Laboratorio di Immunologia e Genetica, Istituto di Ricerca Codivilla Putti, Bologna, Italy.
authors.forename: Brunella
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Grigolo
authors.forename: Gina
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Lisignoli
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Piacentini
authors.forename: Mauro
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Fiorini
authors.forename: Pietro
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Gobbi
authors.forename: Giovanni
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Mazzotti
authors.forename: Manuela
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Duca
authors.forename: Alessandra
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Pavesio
authors.forename: Andrea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Facchini
mesh_terms: D053674:Aggrecans; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D002455:Cell Division; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D019902:Chondrocytes / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure; D024042:Collagen Type I / Q000235:genetics; D024043:Collagen Type II / Q000235:genetics; D016326:Extracellular Matrix Proteins; D006801:Humans; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D037181:Lectins, C-Type; D008422:Materials Testing; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D011509:Proteoglycans / Q000235:genetics; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D053674:Aggrecans; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D024042:Collagen Type I; D024043:Collagen Type II; D016326:Extracellular Matrix Proteins; D037181:Lectins, C-Type; D011509:Proteoglycans; D012333:RNA, Messenger; C086358:hyaluronic acid benzyl ester; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid