Publications (2)10.12 Total impact
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Article: Composite system of PLCL scaffold and heparin-based hydrogel for regeneration of partial-thickness cartilage defects.
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ABSTRACT: Delivering isolated chondrocytes with matrix is a promising approach to promote the cartilage repair. The present study attempted to combine the advantages of porous scaffold and hydrogel in delivering chondrocytes to partial-thickness cartilage defects. An electrospun, gelatin-incorporated PLCL scaffold mechanically similar to natural cartilage was fabricated, and chondrocytes were seeded using an injectable heparin-based hydrogel for efficient cell seeding. The scaffold/hydrogel composite showed more enhanced expression of chondrogenic genes and production of GAGs than those prepared without hydrogel. In addition, significant cartilage formation showing good integration with surrounding, similar to natural cartilage, was observed by scaffold/hydrogel composite system in partial-thickness defects of rabbit knees while no regeneration was observed in control defects. Although no exogenous chondrogenic factors were added, it was evident that the scaffold/hydrogel composite system was highly effective and better than the scaffold alone system without hydrogel for cartilage regeneration both in vitro and in vivo.Biomacromolecules 07/2012; 13(8):2287-98. · 5.48 Impact Factor -
Article: In vitro chondrocyte culture in a heparin-based hydrogel for cartilage regeneration.
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ABSTRACT: In the present study, we applied and optimized a heparin-based hydrogel system, formed by thiolated heparin and diacrylated poly (ethylene glycol), for three-dimensional chondrocyte culture. Encapsulation by the heparin-based hydrogel did not affect the chondrocyte viability (better than calcium-induced alginate gel), and the heparin-based hydrogel promoted chondrocyte proliferation, while maintaining chondrogenic nature. Phenotypic analyses, such as glycosaminoglycan accumulation and histological staining, also supported the proper role of the heparin-based hydrogel for cartilage regeneration; a continuous increase in glycosaminoglycan amount was observed during the culture period. At the transcriptional level, the gene expression of type II collagen and Sox-9 was maintained, whereas type I collagen expression was not observed. The chondrocyte expansion was affected by the gel strength, and there existed an optimum gel concentration for it. Based on the results, the heparin-based hydrogel is a promising material for chondrocyte culture, potentially applicable for cartilage regeneration.Tissue Engineering Part C Methods 04/2009; 16(1):1-10. · 4.64 Impact Factor
