Human serum for tissue engineering of human nasal septal cartilage

Abstract

Objective

To compare the chondrogenic and proliferative effects of pooled human serum (HS) and fetal bovine serum (FBS) on tissue-engineered human nasal septal chondrocytes.

Study Design and Setting

Human chondrocytes were expanded for one passage in monolayer in medium supplemented with 10% FBS, 2% HS, 10% HS, or 20% HS. Cells were then suspended in alginate beads for 3D culture for 2 weeks with 10% FBS, 2% HS, 10% HS, or 20% HS.

Results

Monolayer cell yields were greater with HS than FBS. In alginate, cellular proliferation, glycosaminoglycan production per cell, and type II collagen were significantly higher with 10% HS compared to 10% FBS controls.

Conclusion

HS results in increased proliferation and production of cartilaginous extracellular matrix by tissue-engineered human nasal septal chondrocytes, compared to FBS controls.

Significance

Culture with human serum may facilitate creation of neocartilage constructs that more closely resemble native tissue.