A novel cartilage tissue construction based on artificial cells and matrix-shaping.

Cartilage tissue engineering through culturing chondrocytes in 3D porous scaffolds has potential for the repair of articular cartilage defects. To promote cell distribution in the scaffold, a novel construction method was proposed based on artificial cells and matrix-shaping. Results showed that the construct had better proliferation and ECM secretion with bFGF. Cells had the best proliferation, largest GAG and type II collagen content on day 10 in the 2D condition without bFGF, while these were enhanced by bFGF to day 15. Under 3D conditions, the highest proliferation and GAG content were on day 15 in bFGF-free medium while these two values were improved by bFGF, with the highest appearing on day 20. In conclusion, this construction method is efficient and provides a new and promising approach to cartilage regeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]