IN-VITRO ENGINEERING OF CARTILAGE TISSUE - INFLUENCE OF L(+)-LACTIC ACID AND GLYCOLIC ACID ON CULTURED HUMAN CHONDROCYTES

Within the scope of producing cartilage tissue in a three-dimensional culture design, the stability of the used delivery substance in-vitro tissue product has to be improved. For this, carrier materials consisting of bioresorbable polymers, e. g. poly(L[+]-lactic acid) and poly(glycolic acid) can be used. In respect of the biocompatibility of these polymers, the effect of degradation products on chondrocytes is of major interest. The available biomaterials were tested on chondrocytes in form of their monomers, glycolic acid and L(+)-lactic acid. Effects in regard of cell activity were determined with the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenytetra zoliumbromide(MTT)test. A non-pH-effect was examined by buffering with concentrated NaOH. In a short-term testing with increasing monomer concentrations as well as in a test over a twelve-day period, L(+)-lactic acid proved to have a lower cytotoxic effect on chondrocytes than glycolic acid. Similar results were obtained with buffered culture media. Therefore, poly(L[+]-lactic acid) can be recommended for the development of chondrocytes-polymer constructs for in-vitro engineering of cartilage tissue.