Decellularised Cartilage ECM Culture Coatings Drive Rapid and Robust Chondrogenic Differentiation of Human Periosteal Cells.

The control of cell behaviour in an effort to create highly homogeneous cultures is becoming an area of intense research, both to elucidate fundamental biology and for regenerative applications. The extracellular matrix (ECM) controls many cellular processes in vivo, and as such is a rich source of cues that may be translated in vitro. Herein, we describe the creation of cell culture coatings from porcine decellularised hyaline cartilage through enzymatic digestion.

Decellularized Cartilage Directs Chondrogenic Differentiation: Creation of a Fracture Callus Mimetic.

Complications that arise from impaired fracture healing have considerable socioeconomic implications. Current research in the field of bone tissue engineering predominantly aims to mimic the mature bone tissue microenvironment. This approach, however, may produce implants that are intrinsically unresponsive to the cues present during the initiation of fracture repair.

Biomimetic strategies for fracture repair: Engineering the cell microenvironment for directed tissue formation.

Complications resulting from impaired fracture healing have major clinical implications on fracture management strategies. Novel concepts taken from developmental biology have driven research strategies towards the elaboration of regenerative approaches that can truly harness the complex cellular events involved in tissue formation and repair. Advances in polymer technology and a better understanding of naturally derived scaffolds have given rise to novel biomaterials with an increasing ability to recapitulate native tissue environments.