Cartilage reconstruction in head and neck surgery : Comparison of resorbable polymer scaffolds for tissue engineering of human septal cartilage

摘要: New cell culture techniques raise the possibility of creating cartilage in vitro with help tissue engineer- ing. In this study, we compared two resorbable nonwoven scaffolds, a polyglycolic acid/poly-L-lactic acid (PGA/ PLLA) (90/10) copolymer (Ethisorb) and pure PLLA (V 7-2), different degradation characteristics their aptitude for reconstruction. Chondrocytes were isolated en- zymatically from human septal cartilage. The single cells resuspended agarose transferred into poly- mer scaffolds to create mechanical stability retain chondrocyte-specific phenotype. cell-polymer con- structs then kept perfusion 1 week prior subcutaneous transplantation thymusaplastic nude mice. After 6, 12, 24 weeks, specimens ex- planted analyzed histochemically on presence collagen (azan staining), proteoglycans (Alcian blue stain- ing), calcification areas (von Kossa staining). Further- more, types (collagen type I, which is found most tissues, but not hyaline matrix; II, specific) differ- entiated immunohistochemically by indirect immuno- peroxidase technique. Vascular ingrowth was investigated factor VIII antibody, endothelial marker. Quantification several matrix components performed using software Photoshop. Significant differences between both structures concerning ma- trix synthesis quality as well vascular in- growth. Ethisorb, time approximately 3 weeks vitro, showed no significant nor- mal amount I II after transplantation. Thin fibrous layers containing blood vessels encapsulated trans- plants. V 7-2 constructs, did show strong signs even transplantation, contained remarkably smaller amounts cartilage-specific components. At same time, there central parts transplants. conclusion, short are suitable materials development products, while longer seems inhibit synthesis. Thus, engineering can result cartilage-like when appropriate nonwovens used. Therefore, method could be ideal replace- ment without risk infection pos- sibility reconstructing large defects figurations. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 42, 347-356, 1998.