[Biocompatibility of polylactic-co-glycolic acid for culturing bFGF gene-transfected bone marrow stromal cells and application of the cell complex for repairing rabbit cartilage defect].

Objective: To evaluate the biocompatibility of polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) for culturing bFGF gene-transfected bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) and assess the feasibility of this cell complex for repairing cartilage defect in rabbits using tissue engineering method.
Methods: BMSCs transfected by bFGF gene were cultured on PLGA matrix to assess the biocompatibility of PLGA. The cell complex was then implanted into the cartilage defect in rabbits, and its effect in cartilage defect repair was evaluated by histological observation and immunohistochemical staining.
Results: BMSCs transfected by bFGF gene grew normally on PLGA matrix. After implantation, the complex showed good effect for cartilage defect repair in rabbits.
Conclusion: PLGA has good biocompatibility with the transfected BMSCs, and the cell complex can be used for repairing rabbit cartilage defect and may potentially serve as a substitute of cartilage autograft.