title: Effects of scaffold composition and architecture on human nasal chondrocyte redifferentiation and cartilaginous matrix deposition.
abstract: We investigated whether the post-expansion redifferentiation and cartilage tissue formation capacity of adult human nasal chondrocytes can be regulated by controlled modifications of scaffold composition and architecture. As a model system, we used poly(ethylene glycol)-terephthalate-poly(butylene)-terephthalate block copolymer scaffolds from two compositions (low or high PEG content, resulting in different wettability) and two architectures (generated by compression molding or three-dimensional (3D) fiber deposition) with similar porosity and mechanical properties, but different interconnecting pore architectures. Scaffolds were seeded with expanded human chondrocytes and the resulting constructs assessed immunohistochemically, biochemically and at the mRNA expression level following up to 4 weeks of static culture. For a given 3D architecture, the more hydrophilic scaffold enhanced cell redifferentiation and cartilaginous tissue formation after 4 weeks culture, as assessed by higher mRNA expression of collagen type II, increased deposition of glycosaminoglycan (GAG) and predominance of type II over type I collagen immunostain. The fiber-deposited scaffolds, with a more accessible pore volume and larger interconnecting pores, supported increased GAG deposition, but only if a more hydrophilic composition was used. By applying controlled and selective modifications of chemico-physical scaffold parameters, we demonstrate that both scaffold composition and architecture are instructive for expanded human chondrocytes in the generation of 3D cartilaginous tissues. The observed effects of composition and architecture were likely to have been mediated, respectively, by differential serum protein adsorption and efficiency of nutrient/waste exchange.
authors.affiliation: Departments of Surgery and of Research, University Hospital Basel, Hebelstrasse 20, 4031 Basel, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Sylvie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Miot
authors.forename: Tim
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Woodfield
authors.forename: Alma U
authors.initials: AU
authors.lastname: Daniels
authors.forename: Rosemarie
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Suetterlin
authors.forename: Iman
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Peterschmitt
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Heberer
authors.forename: Clemens A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: van Blitterswijk
authors.forename: Jens
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Riesle
authors.forename: Ivan
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Martin
mesh_terms: D020341:Absorbable Implants; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000737:chemistry; D018929:Cell Culture Techniques / Q000379:methods; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000502:physiology; D049109:Cell Proliferation; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D019902:Chondrocytes / Q000166:cytology* / Q000502:physiology*; D004548:Elasticity; D006801:Humans; D008422:Materials Testing; D009300:Nasal Septum / Q000166:cytology* / Q000254:growth & development*; D011091:Polyesters / Q000737:chemistry*; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000737:chemistry*; D016062:Porosity; D013499:Surface Properties; D023822:Tissue Engineering / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; C493255:PEGT-PBT copolymer; D011091:Polyesters; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols