Production of allogenic cartilage in a tube lined with epithelium and a novel scaffold.

OBJECTIVE To study the feasibility of engineering cartilage tissue in a tube lined with epithelium and implanting allogenic chondrocytes in a novel scaffold that is made of chitosan nonwoven cloth coated with poly(DL-lactide-co-glycolide). DESIGN Laboratory research. SUBJECTS Allogenic chondrocytes were obtained from the auricles of 1-month-old New Zealand white rabbits. After the cells were cultured in vitro for 3 or 4 passages, they were implanted in the scaffolds to form composite grafts and then transplanted into the rabbits. After 6, 12, and 18 weeks, the general histologic characteristics were investigated. RESULTS The cobweb-like matrix was observed approximately 1 week after the chondrocytes had been implanted in the scaffolds. At 6 weeks, the matrix was secreted, and there were immature chondrocytes in the grafts. At 12 weeks, the allogenic cartilage in the tube lined with epithelium had been created. Chondrocytes were almost mature and the lacunae had formed. At 18 weeks, the neocartilage was similar to native cartilage. CONCLUSION It is feasible to produce allogenic cartilage in a tube lined with epithelium by implanting allogenic chondrocytes into a novel scaffold made of chitosan nonwoven cloth coated with poly(DL-lactide-co-glycolide).