Systems for cartilage repair

Abstract

One-cartilage constructs suitable for implantation into a joint cartilage lesion in sit-up and a method for repair and restoration of function of injured, traumatic, aged or diseased cartilage. The construct comprises at least chondrocytes incorporated into a support matrix processed according to the algorithm comprising variable hydrostatic or atmospheric pressure or non-pressure conditions, variable rate of perfusion, variable medium composition, variable temperature, variable cell density and variable time to which the chondrocytes are subjected.

1 .- 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A method for preparing neo-cartilage, the method comprising:
 providing a collagenous matrix comprising a plurality of pores;   seeding the collagenous matrix with chondrocytes;   culturing the seeded matrix at a hydrostatic pressure of at least about 0.5 MPA above atmospheric pressure for at least about 6 days; and   resting the seeded matrix at atmospheric pressure for at least about 7 days, thereby preparing the neo-cartilage.   
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the hydrostatic pressure is cyclic. 
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 22 , wherein the cyclic hydrostatic pressure is at a frequency between about 0.1 Hz and about 2.0 Hz. 
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 23 , further comprising perfusing the seeded matrix with a culture medium at a rate of perfusion between about 5 μL/min and about 50 μL/min. 
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 24 , wherein the cyclic hydrostatic pressure is less than about 10.0 MPA above atmospheric pressure. 
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 25 , wherein the seeded matrix is cultured at the cyclic hydrostatic pressure for less than about 60 days. 
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 26 , wherein the collagenous matrix further comprises at least a bioactive agent selected from the group consisting of a growth factor, a cytokine, and a peptide. 
     
     
         28 . The method of  claim 26 , wherein the collagenous matrix comprises Type I collagen. 
     
     
         29 . The method of  claim 26 , wherein the collagenous matrix comprises lyophilized collagen. 
     
     
         30 . A neo-cartilage product made by a process comprising:
 providing a collagenous matrix comprising a plurality of pores;   seeding the collagenous matrix with chondrocytes;   culturing the seeded matrix at a hydrostatic pressure of at least about 0.5 MPA above atmospheric pressure for at least about 6 days; and   resting the seeded matrix at atmospheric pressure for at least about 7 days.   
     
     
         31 . The neo-cartilage product of  claim 30 , wherein the hydrostatic pressure comprises cyclic hydrostatic pressure applied to the seeded matrix at a frequency between about 0.1 Hz and about 2.0 Hz. 
     
     
         32 . The neo-cartilage product of  claim 31 , wherein the cyclic hydrostatic pressure is less than about 10 MPa above atmospheric pressure. 
     
     
         33 . The neo-cartilage product of  claim 32 , wherein the culturing further comprises perfusing the seeded matrix with a culture medium at a rate of perfusion between about 5 μL/min and about 50 μL/min. 
     
     
         34 . The neo-cartilage product of  claim 33 , wherein the seeded matrix is cultured at the cyclic hydrostatic pressure for less than about 60 days. 
     
     
         35 . The neo-cartilage product of  claim 34 , wherein the collagenous matrix further comprises at least one bioactive agent selected from the group consisting of a growth factor, a cytokine, and a peptide. 
     
     
         36 . The neo-cartilage product of  claim 34 , wherein the collagenous matrix comprises Type I collagen. 
     
     
         37 . The neo-cartilage product of  claim 34 , wherein the collagenous matrix comprises lyophilized collagen.