The in vitro biocompatibility of d-(+) raffinose modified chitosan: Two-dimensional and three-dimensional systems for culturing of horse articular chondrocytes.

The researchers evaluated the biocompatibility of chitosan, a natural bio-polymer, altered with d-(+) raffinose for the cultivation of horse articular chondrocytes in lab conditions. The results suggest that this modified chitosan could support adhesion, propagation, and the maintenance of cellular distinction of chondrocytes, making it potentially useful for the re-differentiation of dedifferentiated chondrocytes.

The Study Approach

• The researchers utilised modified chitosan films and scaffolds in two-dimensional and three-dimensional environments to grow primary equine articular chondrocytes.
• The behavior of the chitosan cultures was then compared to traditional bi- and three-dimensional culture methods, such as micromasses and alginate beads.
• The researchers paid special attention to whether the chitosan films and scaffolds could sustain the synthesis of the cartilaginous extracellular matrix (ECM), a key characteristic of differentiated chondrocytes, over a four-week period.
• They also monitored the chondrocytes’ ability to penetrate the surface pores and colonize the internal matrix of the chitosan scaffolds.

Findings of the Study

• The results showed that the chitosan films were able to support the distinct phenotype of differentiated chondrocytes. They also sustained the synthesis of the cartilaginous ECM for up to four weeks.
• After two weeks of culture, chondrocytes planted on chitosan scaffolds were able to penetrate the surface pores and colonize the internal matrix.
• The gene expression for typical differentiation markers of chondrocytes, collagen II and aggrecan, were observed in the chondrocytes cultured on the chitosan scaffolds.

Conclusion

• The researchers concluded that chitosan, when modified with d-raffinose, makes an ideal support for the adhesion, proliferation and maintenance of cellular phenotypic and genotypic differentiation of chondrocytes.
• This new biomaterial could potentially serve as a reliable support for the re-differentiation of dedifferentiated chondrocytes, offering implications for future research and potential applications for joint-related diseases or damages.