In vivo implantation of tissue-engineered human nasal septal neocartilage constructs: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the in vivo biocompatibility of septal neocartilage constructs developed in vitro by an alginate intermediate step.

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, animal model.

SETTING: Research laboratory.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A murine model was used to examine the maturation of neocartilage constructs in vivo. Chondrocytes collected from patients undergoing septoplasty were expanded in monolayer and suspended in alginate beads for 3-dimensional culture in media containing human serum and growth factors. After in vitro incubation for 5 weeks, the constructs were implanted in the dorsum of athymic mice for 30 and 60 days (n = 9). After the mice were sacrificed, the constructs were recovered for assessment of their morphological, histochemical, biochemical, and biomechanical properties.

RESULTS: The mice survived and tolerated the implants well. Infection and extrusion were not observed. Neocartilage constructs maintained their general shape and size and demonstrated cell viability after implantation. The implanted constructs were firm and opaque, sharing closer semblance to native septal tissue relative to the gelatinous, translucent preimplant constructs. Histochemical staining with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) revealed that the constructs exhibited distinct morphologies characteristic of native tissue, which were not observed in preimplant constructs. DNA and type II collagen increased with duration of implantation, whereas type I collagen and glycoaminoglycans (GAG) decreased. Mechanical testing of a 60-day implanted construct demonstrated characteristics similar to native human septal cartilage.

CONCLUSIONS: Neocartilage constructs are viable in an in vivo murine model. The histologic, biochemical, and biomechanical features of implanted constructs closely resemble native septal tissue when compared with preimplant constructs.