The development of the collagen fibre network in tissue-engineered cartilage constructs in vivo. Engineered cartilage reorganises fibre network.

摘要: For long term durability of tissue-engineered cartilage implanted in vivo, the development collagen fibre network orientation is essential as well distribution collagen, since expanded chondrocytes are known to synthesise type I. Typically, these properties differ strongly between native and cartilage. Nonetheless, clinical results a pilot study with pigs were surprisingly good. The purpose this was therefore analyse if structure composition artificial tissue changes first 52 weeks after implantation. Thus, cartilage-carrier-constructs implanted knee joints Gottinger minipigs for 2, 26 or have been further investigated by processing digitised microscopy images histological sections. comparison demonstrated that over depth has clear tendency towards increasing time After 2 weeks, fibres superficial zone oriented parallel articular surface little anisotropy present middle deep zones. Overall, within implants less homogenous than tissue. Despite relatively low number specimens, consistent observation continuous approximation very promising suggests it may not be necessary engineer perfect implantation but rather provide an intermediate solution help body heal itself.