Devitalized Cell Derived Polymer/Extracellular Matrix Composite Scaffolds for Cartilage Regeneration

摘要

Co-culturing MSCs with chondrocytes is a viable option for producing cartilage-like ECM within a fibrous polymer scaffold. The inclusion of MSCs in co-cultures enables the reduction of chondrocytes needed for ECM production. Devitalization by freeze thaw is successful at removing cellular matter from the scaffolds yet does reduce the amount of matrix present in the scaffold. Further work should be performed to improve the devitalization process and to assess the ability of the devitalized polymer/ECM hybrid scaffolds to direct chondrogenesis of MSCs.