METHODS FOR GENERATING CARTILAGE TISSUE

摘要

A hyaline-like, single layer cartilage tissue construct includes chondrogenic cells dispersed within an endogenously produced extracellular matrix. The single layer cartilage tissue construct has a glycosaminoglycan content substantially equal to the glycosaminoglycan content of native cartilage tissue. A method for generating a single layer cartilage tissue construct includes isolating a population of chondrogenic cells and then expanding the population of chondrogenic cells. Next, the population of chondrogenic cells is seeded into a bioreactor having a volume defined by oppositely disposed gas permeable membranes. The population of chondrogenic cells is then cultured in a serum- free culture medium for a time sufficient to permit the population of chondrogenic cells to differentiate and form the single layer cartilage tissue construct.