Modeling perichondrium-cartilage interactions in vitro

Introduction

All cartilage tissues in the head and neck area are covered with a striated structure called the perichondrium. While cartilage lacks the capacity for regeneration, the chondrogenic potential of perichondrium has been extensively documented. Furthermore, perichondrial chondrogenesis can occur in an avascular environment (e.g. synovium), as well as ex vivo, suggesting the regenerative potential of perichondrium beyond its function of vascular supply. Distinctively from the underlying cartilage, perichondrium consists of a fibrous matrix containing fibroblast-like cells, called perichondrocytes. Still little is known about how perichondrium contributes to cartilage maintenance and regeneration. The goal of the current study is to elucidate the role of perichondrocytes in the maintenance, proliferation, and differentiation of chondrocytes. Furthermore, the project aims to establish an ex vivo 3D tissue mimicking the functional perichondrium.

Methods

Transwell co-culture system was used to simulate contact between chondrocytes and perichondrocytes. Production of collagen type 2 (Col2) was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, perichondrocytes were bioprinted in tunicate nanocellulose hydrogel or embedded in rat-tail collagen to establish 3D culture and the viability was monitored by microscopy.

Results

Stable viability and cell spreading were observed in the bioprinted constructs, as well as collagen gels over four weeks. Furthermore, chondrocytes cultured on perichondrocyte-laden collagen gels produced more Col2 than those cultured on empty gels.

Conclusions

Overall, the initial experiments suggest that perichondrocytes positively influence chondrogenesis in vitro and that nanocellulose might be a suitable medium for the perichondrocyte 3D culture.

Publication History

Article published online:
24 May 2022