Characterization of chondrocytes cultured on catechin-loaded alginate-chitosan scaffolds

Bovine chondrocytes were seeded into scaffolds of a high molecular weight chitosan and alginate with a pore size of 50-350 mu m with or without catechin. In polymerase chain reaction (PCR), unlike type II, collagen type I was no longer expressed at day 14. The DNA content increased until day 8 and began declining, indicating cell detachment. The GAG content increased during the first 12 days. The percentage of round and collagen type II immunoreactive cells increased over the time. Catechin has some protective properties on chondrocytes seeded on the alginate-chitosan scaffolds during the first 12 days by means of DNA and chondrocyte morphology (p < 0.05).