Role of cell‐associated matrix in the development of free‐swelling and dynamically loaded chondrocyte‐seeded agarose gels

Issue title: 3rd International Symposium on Mechanobiology of Cartilage and Chondrocyte. Brussels, May 16–17, 2003

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Kelly, Terri‐Ann N. | Wang, Christopher C.‐B. | Mauck, Robert L. | Ateshian, Gerard A. | Hung, Clark T.^;

Affiliations: Cellular Engineering Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA | Musculoskeletal Biomechanics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA | 351 Engineering Terrace, MC 8904, 1210 Amsterdam Avenue, Department of Bio medical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA Tel.: +1 212 854 6542; Fax:- +1 212 854 8725; E‐mail: cth6@columbia.edu

Abstract: Chondrocytes embedded in agarose and subjected to dynamic deformational loading produce a functional matrix with time in culture, but there is usually a delay in the development of significant differences compared to free swelling. In this study, we hypothesized that the initial presence of a cell‐associated matrix would expedite construct development in response to dynamic deformational loading. Seeded samples with enzymatically isolated chondrocytes and chondrons (the chondrocyte and its pericellular matrix) and examined the effects of seeding density and dynamic loading on the development of tissue properties. At 60 million/ml, dynamic loading significantly augmented the development of material properties in chondrocyte‐ and chondron‐seeded constructs. Biochemical content and histological analysis indicated that the deposition of GAG, link protein and collagens are affected by the pre‐existing cell‐associated matrix of the chondron‐seeded samples. The pericellular matrix associated with the chondrons did not expedite the development of material properties in response to deformational loading, disproving our hypothesis. The relative concentration and distribution of matrix proteins may play a major role in the disparate responses observed for the chondrocyte‐ and chondron‐seeded cultures. In further support of these findings, culturing chondrocytes in agarose for two weeks prior to the application of deformational loading also did not exhibit expedited construct development.

Keywords: Chondron, functional tissue engineering, material properties, collagens, link protein, glycosaminoglycans

Journal: Biorheology, vol. 41, no. 3-4, pp. 223-237, 2004