Combinatorial scaffold morphologies for zonal articular cartilage engineering

J A M Steele; S D McCullen; A Callanan; H Autefage; M A Accardi; D Dini; M M Stevens

doi:10.1016/j.actbio.2013.12.030

Combinatorial scaffold morphologies for zonal articular cartilage engineering

Acta Biomater. 2014 May;10(5):2065-75. doi: 10.1016/j.actbio.2013.12.030. Epub 2013 Dec 25.

Authors

J A M Steele¹, S D McCullen¹, A Callanan², H Autefage¹, M A Accardi³, D Dini³, M M Stevens⁴

Affiliations

¹ Department of Materials, Imperial College London, London, UK; Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, UK; Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Imperial College London, London, UK.
² Department of Materials, Imperial College London, London, UK; Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, UK; Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Imperial College London, London, UK; Institute for Materials and Processes (IMP), School of Engineering, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
³ Department of Mechanical Engineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK.
⁴ Department of Materials, Imperial College London, London, UK; Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, UK; Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Imperial College London, London, UK. Electronic address: m.stevens@imperial.ac.uk.

Abstract

Articular cartilage lesions are a particular challenge for regenerative medicine strategies as cartilage function stems from a complex depth-dependent organization. Tissue engineering scaffolds that vary in morphology and function offer a template for zone-specific cartilage extracellular matrix (ECM) production and mechanical properties. We fabricated multi-zone cartilage scaffolds by the electrostatic deposition of polymer microfibres onto particulate-templated scaffolds produced with 0.03 or 1.0mm(3) porogens. The scaffolds allowed ample space for chondrocyte ECM production within the bulk while also mimicking the structural organization and functional interface of cartilage's superficial zone. Addition of aligned fibre membranes enhanced the mechanical and surface properties of particulate-templated scaffolds. Zonal analysis of scaffolds demonstrated region-specific variations in chondrocyte number, sulfated GAG-rich ECM, and chondrocytic gene expression. Specifically, smaller porogens (0.03mm(3)) yielded significantly higher sGAG accumulation and aggrecan gene expression. Our results demonstrate that bilayered scaffolds mimic some key structural characteristics of native cartilage, support in vitro cartilage formation, and have superior features to homogeneous particulate-templated scaffolds. We propose that these scaffolds offer promise for regenerative medicine strategies to repair articular cartilage lesions.

Keywords: Cartilage; Regenerative medicine; Repair; Scaffolds; Tissue engineering.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Animals
Cartilage, Articular / physiology*
Cattle
Cell Proliferation
Chondrocytes / cytology
Chondrocytes / metabolism
Compressive Strength
DNA / metabolism
Gene Expression Profiling
Glycosaminoglycans / metabolism
Interferometry
Solubility
Tensile Strength
Tissue Engineering / methods*
Tissue Scaffolds / chemistry*

Substances

Glycosaminoglycans
DNA

Abstract

Publication types

MeSH terms

Substances

Grants and funding