Methods and compositions for chondrocytes preservation and uses therefor

摘要

The invention concerns in particular human chondrocyte cell compositions, and methods for preparing them and their uses. More particularly, the invention concerns the production of autologous human chondrocyte suspensions, using recombinant enzymes and/or media compatible with pharmaceutical use. The invention further concerns methods and compositions for cryopreservation of chondrocytes, in particular in the absence of DMSO. The resulting chondrocytes can be used in vivo for restoring affected cartilaginous structures, such as post-traumatic cartilaginous defects or osteochondritis dissecans of the knee or, more generally, for treating and repairing clinically significant defects of the cartilage, especially articular cartilage.