Synthetic biodegradable microparticles for articular cartilage tissue engineering

Abstract Articular cartilage tissue engineering procedures require the transplantation of chondrocytes that have been expanded in vitro. The expansion is carried out for a considerable time and can lead to a modulation of cell phenotype. However, microcarrier cultures have been shown to allow cell expansion while maintaining the phenotype. Here, we have used the biodegradable polyester poly(lactide‐co‐glycolide) (PLGA) in the form of microspheres and irregular shaped microparticles with a diameter between 47 and 210 μm. Surface modification of particles was carried out by ammonia plasma treatment and subsequent adsorption of collagen. Alternatively, particles were modified by partial hydrolysis and subsequent immobilization of an amine‐terminated dendrimer. Each surface modification step was characterized by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The effectiveness of the surface modification procedures was demonstrated by in vitro cell culture experiments using sheep articular cartilage chondrocytes. A significant influence of both the particle shape and the surface chemistry on the proliferation rate was observed while the phenotype was maintained independent of the surface chemistry or particle shape. Chondrocytes cultured on PLGA microspheres were further assessed for cartilage tissue formation in collagen type I gels in nude mice. The tissue that were formed showed the appearance of a hyaline‐like cartilage and the presence of the microspheres substantially reduced the degree of collagen gel contraction over 1–2 months. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2006