Culture of Human Septal Chondrocytes in a Rotary Bioreactor

Abstract

Objective: 1) Show that extracellular matrix deposition is possible in 3-dimensional culture of human septal chondrocytes cultured in a rotary bioreactor as well as in static conditions. 2) Demonstrate that the biomechanical properties of human septal chondrocytes cultured in a bioreactor and static culture amplify with time.

Method: Human septal chondrocytes from 9 donors were expanded in monolayer and seeded in alginate beads. The beads were cultured in a rotary bioreactor for 21 days in media supplemented with growth factors and human serum, using static culture as the control. Biochemical and biomechanical properties of the beads were measured.

Results: Glycosaminoglycan (GAG) accumulation significantly increased during 2 measured time intervals, 0 to 10 days and 10 to 21 days (P < .01). No significant difference was seen between the static and bioreactor conditions. However, substantial type II collagen production was demonstrated in the beads terminated at day 21 of culture in both conditions. In addition, the biomechanical properties of the beads were enhanced at 21 days in comparison with beads from days 0 and 10.

Conclusion: Human septal chondrocytes cultured in alginate beads exhibit significant matrix deposition and improved biomechanical properties after 21 days. Enhanced matrix deposition during bead culture will expectantly lead to formation of neocartilage that is comparable with native tissue. Matrix production in beads is supported by the use of a rotary bioreactor.