Tissue engineered catilage reconstruction with alginate sponge containing demineralized bone particles

Demineralized bone particles (DBP) and alginate hybrid sponges were fabricated at 10,20,40 and 80% DBP/ alginate hybrid ratios for seeding chondrocyte. Cell proliferation was measured via MTT assay. Morphological observation, histology, biological assay and RT-PCR were performed at each time point 1, 2 and 3 weeks. The cell viability was better in 20% DBP/alginate sponges than in other sponges. SEM results showed that more attached and more proliferated cells in the 20% DBP/alginate sponges with the lapse of time. Finally, histochemical assay results showed that the phenotype of chondrocyte was well maintained and both acidic mucopolysaccharide and type II collagen was well formed at 20% sponges. This study suggested that DBP/alginate sponge may serve as a potential cell delivery vehicle and a structural basis for tissue engineered articular cartilage.