Bonding of cartilaginous matrices using isolated chondrocytes

Abstract

Methods of bonding cartilage pieces using new cartilage matrix generated by isolated chondrocytes in the presence of a biological gel. Also featured in the invention are cartilage implants used to repair cartilage defects.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A method of bonding a first cartilage piece and a second cartilage piece, the method comprising: 
 providing a bonding composition comprising isolated chondrocytes mixed with a biological gel;    applying the composition to a surface of the first cartilage piece; and    contacting the surface with the second cartilage piece.    
     
     
         2 . The method of    claim 1   , wherein the biological gel is fibrin gel.  
     
     
         3 . The method of    claim 1   , wherein the first cartilage piece contains no viable endogenous chondrocytes.  
     
     
         4 . The method of    claim 1   , wherein the second cartilage piece is a defective part of a joint in a mammal.  
     
     
         5 . The method of    claim 4   , wherein the biological gel is fibrin gel.  
     
     
         6 . A method of bonding a first cartilage piece and a second cartilage piece, the method comprising: 
 providing a bonding composition comprising isolated chondrocytes mixed with a biological gel;    holding the two cartilage pieces in apposition; and    filling gaps between the two cartilage pieces with the bonding composition.    
     
     
         7 . The method of    claim 6   , wherein the biological gel is fibrin gel.  
     
     
         8 . The method of    claim 6   , wherein the first cartilage piece contains no viable endogenous chondrocytes.  
     
     
         9 . The method of    claim 6   , wherein the second cartilage piece is a defective part of a joint in a mammal.  
     
     
         10 . The method of    claim 9   , wherein the biological gel is fibrin gel.  
     
     
         11 . A method of bonding a first cartilage piece and a second cartilage piece, the method comprising: 
 providing isolated chondrocytes;    contacting the chondrocytes with either or both of the cartilage pieces;    applying a biological gel to a surface of the first cartilage piece; and    contacting the surface with the second cartilage piece, in the presence of the chondrocytes.    
     
     
         12 . The method of    claim 11   , wherein the biological gel is fibrin gel.  
     
     
         13 . The method of    claim 11   , wherein the cartilage piece that is contacted with the isolated chondrocytes contains no viable endogenous chondrocytes.  
     
     
         14 . The method of    claim 11   , wherein the second cartilage piece is a defective part of a joint in a mammal.  
     
     
         15 . The method of    claim 14   , wherein the biological gel is fibrin gel.  
     
     
         16 . A method of bonding a first cartilage piece and a second cartilage piece, the method comprising: 
 providing isolated chondrocytes;    contacting the chondrocytes with either or both of the cartilage pieces;    holding the two cartilage pieces in apposition; and    filling gaps between the two cartilage pieces with a biological gel.    
     
     
         17 . The method of    claim 16   , wherein the biological gel is fibrin gel.  
     
     
         18 . The method of    claim 16   , wherein the cartilage piece that is contacted with the isolated chondrocytes contains no viable endogenous chondrocytes.  
     
     
         19 . The method of    claim 16   , wherein the second cartilage piece is a defective part of a joint in a mammal.  
     
     
         20 . The method of    claim 19   , wherein the biological gel is fibrin gel.  
     
     
         21 . A method of preparing a cartilage implant, the method comprising: 
 providing isolated chondrocytes and a cartilage piece;    incubating the chondrocytes with the cartilage piece to produce an incubated cartilage piece; and    applying a biological gel to the incubated cartilage piece to generate a cartilage implant.    
     
     
         22 . The method of    claim 21   , wherein the biological gel is fibrin gel.  
     
     
         23 . The method of    claim 21   , wherein the cartilage piece contains no viable endogenous chondrocytes.  
     
     
         24 . The method of    claim 22   , wherein the cartilage piece is obtained from a mammal.  
     
     
         25 . A cartilage implant comprising a cartilage piece and a bonding composition on a surface of the cartilage piece, the bonding composition containing a biological gel and isolated chondrocytes.  
     
     
         26 . A cartilage implant comprising a cartilage piece, a biological gel on a surface of the cartilage piece, and chondrocytes exogenously introduced to the cartilage piece.