Fibrin gel-based scaffolds have promising potential for microtia reconstruction. Autologous chondrocytes and chondrocyte cell sheets are frequently used seed cell sources for cartilage tissue engineering. However, the aesthetic outcome of chondrocyte-based microtia reconstruction is still not satisfactory. In this study, we aimed to fabricate the chondrocytes/chondrocyte-microtissues laden fibrin gel auricular scaffold for microtia reconstruction. We designed a unique auricular mold that could fabricate a fibrin gel scaffold resembling human auricle anatomy. Primary chondrocytes were harvested from rabbit auricular cartilage, and chondrocyte cell sheets were developed. Chondrocyte-microtissues were prepared from the cell sheets. The mixture of chondrocytes/chondrocyte-microtissues was laden in fibrin gel during the auricular scaffold fabrication. The protrusions and recessed structure in the auricular scaffold surface were still clearly distinguishable. After a one-week in vitro culture, the 3 D structure and auricular anatomy of the scaffold were retained. And followed by eight-week subcutaneous implantation, cartilaginous tissue was regenerated in the artificial auricular structure as indicated by the results of H&E, Toluidine blue, Safranin O, and type II collagen (immunohistochemistry) staining. Protrusions and depressions of the auricular scaffold were slightly deformed, but the overall auricular anatomy was maintained after 8-week in vivo implantation. Extracellular matrix components content were similar in artificial auricular cartilage and rabbit native auricular cartilage. In conclusion, the mixture of chondrocytes/chondrocyte-microtissues laden fibrin gel auricular scaffold showed a promising potential for cartilaginous tissue regeneration, suggesting this as an effective approach for autologous chondrocyte-based microtia reconstruction.
Keywords: Microtia reconstruction; auricular mold; cartilaginous tissue; chondrocytes; fibrin gel; microtissues.