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The performance of biodegradable knitted and rolled 3-dimensional (3D) polylactide-based 96/4 scaffolds modified with bioactive glass (BaG) 13-93, chitosan and both was compared with regard to the viability, proliferation and chondrogenic differentiation of rabbit adipose stem cells (ASCs). Scaffold porosities were determined by micro-computed tomography (μCT). Water absorption and degradation of scaffolds were studied during 28-day hydrolysis in Tris-buffer. Viability, number and differentiation of ASCs in PLA96/4 scaffolds were examined in vitro. The dimensions of the scaffolds were maintained during hydrolysis and mass loss was detected only in the BaG13-93 containing scaffolds. ASCs adhered and proliferated on each scaffold type. Cell aggregation and expression of chondral matrix components improved in all scaffold types in chondrogenic medium. Signs of hypertrophy were detected in the modified scaffolds but not in the plain PLA96/4 scaffold. Chondrogenic differentiation was most enhanced in the presence of chitosan. These findings indicate that the plain P scaffold provided a good 3D-matrix for ASC proliferation whereas the addition of chitosan to the PLA96/4 scaffold induced chondrogenic differentiation independent of the medium. Accordingly, a PLA96/4 scaffold modified by chitosan could provide a functional and bioactive basis for tissue-engineered chondral implants., (Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.)

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disc lacks functional replacement after discectomy. We investigated tissue-engineered bilayer polylactide (PLA) discs and autologous adipose stem cells (ASCs) as a potential replacement for the TMJ disc. These ASC discs were pre-cultured either in control or in differentiation medium, including transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 for one week. Prior to implantation, expression of fibrocartilaginous genes was measured by qRT-PCR. The control and differentiated ASC discs were implanted, respectively, in the right and left TMJs of rabbits for six (n = 5) and 12 months (n = 5). Thereafter, the excised TMJ areas were examined with cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and histology. No signs of infection, inflammation or foreign body reactions were detected at histology, whereas chronic arthrosis and considerable condylar hypertrophy were observed in all operated joints at CBCT. The left condyle treated with the differentiated ASC discs appeared consistently smoother and more sclerotic than the right condyle. The ASC disc replacement resulted in dislocation and morphological changes in the rabbit TMJ. The ASC discs pre-treated with TGF-β1 enhanced the condylar integrity. While adverse tissue reactions were not shown, the authors suggest that with improved attachment and design, the PLA disc and biomaterial itself would hold potential for TMJ disc replacement.