Human platelet-rich plasma improves the nesting and differentiation of human chondrocytes cultured in stabilized porous chitosan scaffolds

Abstract

The clinical management of large-size cartilage lesions is difficult due to the limited regenerative ability of the cartilage. Different biomaterials have been used to develop tissue engineering substitutes for cartilage repair, including chitosan alone or in combination with growth factors to improve its chondrogenic properties. The main objective of this investigation was to evaluate the benefits of combining activated platelet-rich plasma with a stabilized porous chitosan scaffold for cartilage regeneration. To achieve this purpose, stabilized porous chitosan scaffolds were prepared using freeze gelation and combined with activated platelet-rich plasma. Human primary articular chondrocytes were isolated and cultured in stabilized porous chitosan scaffolds with and without combination to activated platelet-rich plasma. Scanning electron microscopy was used for the morphological characterization of the resulting scaffolds. Cell counts were performed in hematoxylin and eosin–stained sections, and type I and II collagen expression was evaluated using immunohistochemistry. Significant increase in cell number in activated platelet-rich plasma/stabilized porous chitosan was found compared with stabilized porous chitosan scaffolds. Chondrocytes grown on stabilized porous chitosan expressed high levels of type I collagen but type II was not detectable, whereas cells grown on activated platelet rich plasma/stabilized porous chitosan scaffolds expressed high levels of type II collagen and type I was almost undetectable. In summary, activated platelet-rich plasma increases nesting and induces the differentiation of chondrocytes cultured on stabilized porous chitosan scaffolds.

Challenges in Fabrication of Tissue-Engineered Cartilage with Correct Cellular Colonization and Extracellular Matrix Assembly

“…In addition to the mechanical support for tissues and cells, the preformed chitosan scaffolds can also be used to release additional factors, such as growth factors, to induce chondrogenic cell responses. Mixed chitosan-platelet-rich plasma scaffolds have been tested for bone, wound healing, and cartilage regeneration processes [ 55 ]. They supported the differentiation of human chondrocytes and the expression of type II collagen, which is important for the native-like hyaline cartilage production.…”

Intra-articular biomaterials-assisted delivery to treat temporomandibular joint disorders

“…Biomaterials including micro/nanoparticles offer a potential vehicle for an effective delivery and maintaining cells close to implanted tissue while driving cellular fate into a target lineage ( Figure 3 ). 96 – 98 Recently, the in vivo differentiation or survival of stem cell grafts has been proposed by the controlled release of biomolecules conjugated to injected micro/nanoparticles; growth factors (i.e. betamethasone dipropionate (BMP)-2, basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), or transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β)) and drugs (i.e.…”

Differential chondro- and osteo-stimulation in three-dimensional porous scaffolds with different topological surfaces provides a design strategy for biphasic osteochondral engineering

“…6–9 Among the tissue engineering components, scaffolds play a key role, providing three-dimensional (3D) environments for cells to properly proliferate and differentiate. 1,10–13 Strategies for the design of osteochondral scaffolds are mainly focused on the use of biphasic or multiphasic scaffolds that combine different material compositions or physical structures to ideally recruit and populate each cell type required. 11–13…”