Collagen matrices and chondroneogenesis: an in vitro study

Introduction. Autogenous cartilage has been used frequently in reconstructive surgery of the nose despite the disadvantage of morbidity to the nose. The aim of this study is to find a new implant material that will be produced in vitro with tissue engineering, by getting stemcells of the perichondrium in contact with a matrix. This matrix serves as a carrier for cartilage regeneration. For this purpose, the matrix should not be cytotoxic, nor induce a host versus graft reaction. Nevertheless, the matrix should be shape-stable, easy to sculpt into the desired shape, porous to support migration of cells and, finally, gradually biodegradable with deposition of the neocartilage. Material and methods. Mucoperichondrium was obtained from the nasal septum of adult female rabbits (white New Zealand). This perichondrium was wrapped around different type I and type II collagen matrices and subsequently cultured in Dulbecco’s Modified Eagles medium. After 2 and 4 weeks the matrices were analysed histologically. Conclusion. In the experiments, proliferation of cells from the mucoperichondrium was seen. In matrices with a porous structure migration of the cells into the matrix was seen. Finally, future research should show the occurrence of cartilage regeneration.