Bioengineering Cartilage Growth, Maturation, and Form

Abstract

Cartilage of articular joints grows and matures to achieve characteristic sizes, forms, and functional properties. Through these processes, the tissue not only serves as a template for bone growth but also yields mature articular cartilage providing joints with a low-friction, wear-resistant bearing material. The study of cartilage growth and maturation is a focus of both cartilage biologists and bioengineers with one goal of trying to create biologic tissue substitutes for the repair of damaged joints. Experimental approaches both in vivo and in vitro are being used to better understand the mechanisms and regulation of growth and maturation processes. This knowledge may facilitate the controlled manipulation of cartilage size, shape, and maturity to meet the criteria needed for successful clinical applications. Mathematical models are also useful tools for quantitatively describing the dynamically changing composition, structure and function of cartilage during growth and maturation and may aid the development of tissue engineering solutions. Recent advances in methods of cartilage formation and culture which control the size, shape, and maturity of these tissues are numerous and provide contrast to the physiologic development of cartilage.

Spinal shape modulation in a porcine model by a highly flexible and extendable non-fusion implant system

“…Fixation to the spine is through transverse bridges connected to the pedicle screws. A ring (8) at the end of the U-loop prevents the bearing from being detached Eur Spine J (2016) 25:2975-2983 2977 killed except for one randomly chosen pig from the XSTOR (wide) and one from the XSLAT (wide) group. These two were followed until 12 weeks to get more insight into the continuation of growth.…”

“…This method has been shown to be effective in animal models and clinically in carefully selected patients [5,6]. However, certain important disadvantages remain unsolved in all current systems such as loss of motion and growth arrest of the treated segments [7,8]. Therefore, other strategies that either maintain mobility or allow growth have been explored [9,10].…”

Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Science in Pediatrics

“…External forces may also be important in influencing cell behavior, especially for cells that normally respond to shear and stress, such as endothelial cells in blood vessels and chondrocytes in cartilage (19). When the dominant signaling cue is a single molecule such as the basic fibroblast growth factor, the delivery of such proteins will enhance tissue regeneration (20). More often, multiple signals are needed at different times, and the controlled delivery of multiple factors to match the needs of the tissue is a challenging task.…”

Magnetization Transfer Imaging Provides a Quantitative Measure of Chondrogenic Differentiation and Tissue Development

“…1,2 Histological and biochemical assessments are the gold standards for ex vivo evaluation, but they are destructive to cells and living tissues. In addition, microscopic techniques, such as scanning electron microscopy and confocal microscopy, are dependent on light penetration into the material; therefore, they can only provide information from the uppermost regions of tissue constructs.…”