Chondrocyte Cell Sheets For Hyaline Cartilage Regeneration

ID U-6825

Category Therapeutics

Subcategory Regenerative Medicine

Researchers
Hiroaki SakaiMakoto KondoKyungsook KimTeruo OkanoMime EgamiTravis Maak David Grainger
Brief Summary

This innovative method uses chondrocyte cell sheets derived from juvenile cartilage tissue to regenerate hyaline cartilage, offering a potential cure for cartilage defects.

Problem Statement

Current therapies for cartilage repair fail to regenerate the hyaline structure essential for weight-bearing functions, leading to suboptimal patient outcomes.

Technology Description

The technology involves culturing chondrocytes and chondroprogenitor cells from juvenile cartilage tissue on temperature-responsive cultureware to form multilayered cell sheets. These sheets are then detached and transplanted directly to damaged cartilage sites, promoting the regeneration of hyaline-like cartilage. This scaffold-free approach maintains the cells’ chondrogenic capacity and structural integrity, offering a significant improvement over existing treatments that rely on fibrous cartilage, which lacks the durability and functionality of hyaline cartilage.

Stage of Development

Pre-Clinical Validation

Benefit

  • Hyaline Cartilage Regeneration: Promotes the growth of hyaline-like cartilage, crucial for joint function and longevity.
  • Scaffold-Free and Natural: The cell sheets provide a natural, scaffold-free environment for chondrocytes, enhancing their regenerative potential.
  • Direct Transplantation: Enables the direct application of cultured cells to the injury site, preserving their regenerative properties.
  • Low Immunogenicity: Utilizes cells with low immune rejection rates, making the therapy suitable for a broader patient population.


Publications

Kondo, Makoto et al. “Safety and efficacy of human juvenile chondrocyte-derived cell sheets for osteochondral defect treatment.” NPJ Regenerative medicine vol. 6,1 65. 15 Oct. 2021, doi:10.1038/s41536-021-00173-9

CSTEC https://www.cstecutah.com/

Contact Info

Huy Tran
(801) 581-7792
huy.tran@utah.edu

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