Interaction of cultured chondrocytes with chitosan scaffold

Chitosan scaffolds with sponge-like structures were prepared by a wet spinning technique. Glutaraldehyde was used to control the swellability (water uptake) of the scaffolds. It was possible to reach a swelling ratio about 56.8% in aqueous medium. These wet scaffolds were soft and easily shaped by hand. The cartilage specimen was obtained from the knee joints of a New Zealand white rabbit. Chondrocyte cells were isolated and cultured in vitro for about 10 days to reach a usable population. The cells were then incubated with the chitosan scaffolds and interactions were examined by microscopy. Chondrocyte cells showed junctional complexes consisting of plaques and filaments at the interface. Cell membranes were strongly attached on the chitosan surface.