ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: In this study, porous type I collagen scaffolds were cross-linked using dehydrothermal(DHT) treatment and/or 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethyl aminopropyl) carbodiimide(EDC), in the presence and absence of chondroitin-6-sulfate(CS) and cultured autologous chondrocytes(Chondro) for cartilage regeneration. METHODS: Cartilage defects were created in the proximal part of the ear of New Zealand rabbits. Four prepared types of scaffolds(n=4) were inserted. The groups included Chondro-Collagen-DHT(Group 1), Chondro- Collagen-DHT-EDC(Group 2), Chondro-CS-Collagen- DHT(Group 3), and Chondro-CS-Collagen-DHT-EDC (Group 4). Histomorphometric analysis and cartilage- specific gene expression of the reconstructed tissues were evaluated 4, 8, and 12 weeks after implantation . RESULTS: EDC cross-linked groups 2 and 4 regenerated more cartilage than other groups. However, calcification was observed in the 4th week after implantation. CS did not increase chondrogenesis in all groups. Cartilage-specific type II collagen mRNA expression increased in the course of time in all groups. CONCLUSION: EDC cross-linking methods maintain the scaffold and promote extracellular matrix production of chondrocytes.