OBJECTIVETo explore the feasibility of application of adipose-derived cells (ADCs) in reconstruction of tissue engineered cartilage in vitro.

METHODSAdipose tissue were obtained from human liposuction aspirate (19 cases, 31.5 +/- 5.8 years old). ADCs were isolated by collagenase digestion from liposuction aspirates. 3rd passage cells were seeded into PLGA scaffolds. The copolymer constructs were cultured in conditioned or non-conditioned medium in vitro for 4 weeks. The constructs were evaluated though gross morphology, histology, and immunohistochemistry.

RESULTSThe cell-polymer constructs kept its original shape in the induced group, but lost its original shape in the non-induced group. The scaffold group were collapsed. Histologically, the induced groups showed dense cellularity and lacunae-containing cells embedded in a basophilic matrix, while non-induced groups showed connective tissue-like morphology. Collagen and proteoglycan deposition was revealed by Massons's trichome and Safranin' O staining, and minor collagen II expression in the matrix was detected by immunohistochemistry staining in the induced group. They were all negative in the non-induced groups.

CONCLUSIONSAlthough ADCs included many kinds of cells, it is feasible to use ADCs as seeds cells for reconstruction of tissue engineered cartilage.