In vitro growth and activity of primary chondrocytes on a resorbable polylactide three-dimensional scaffold

Sheep articular chondrocytes were cultured for 3, 6, and 9 weeks on a three-dimensional porous scaffold from poly(L/DL-lactide) 80/20%. Cell growth and activity was estimated from the amount of proteoglycans attached to the polylactide scaffold and the amounts of DNA and proteins measured in the cell lysate. Cell morphology was assessed from scanning electron microscopy. Histochemical staining of proteoglycans present in the sponge was used to visualize the chondrocyte ingrowth in the scaffold. The amounts of DNA, proteins, and proteoglycans increased with time of culturing. Chondrocytes on the polylactide scaffold maintained their round shape. The cell ingrowth into the sponge progressed with time of culturing and proceeded from the upper surface of the sponge toward its lower surface. At 9 weeks, the chondrocytes filled the whole scaffold and reached the opposite side of the sponge. The proteoglycans network was, however, more dense at the upper half of the scaffold.