The aim of the present study was to gather experience with autologous tissue-engineered cartilage (biomaterial nonwoven scaffold made of hyluronic acid) after 6 and 12 weeks time of implantation in the rabbit model in terms of matrix development, inflammatory reaction and host tissue interaction. Therefore the biomaterial constructs were placed subcutaneosuly, intramusculary and in a prefabricated abdominal skin flap. The tissue-engineered constructs remained stable in size, showed signs of tissue similar to hyaline cartilage, as evidenced by expression of cartilage-specific collagen type II and proteoglycans. No significant difference was seen referred to the different positions of implantation. No hints of inflammatory reactions were observed. The implanted specimens left in position for 12 weeks showed a slightly increased development of tissue similar to cartilage. In addition the results show the potential of prefabricated flaps as custom-made flaps for reconstructive surgery in difficult circumstances, more or less independent of anatomical prerequesites.
«
The aim of the present study was to gather experience with autologous tissue-engineered cartilage (biomaterial nonwoven scaffold made of hyluronic acid) after 6 and 12 weeks time of implantation in the rabbit model in terms of matrix development, inflammatory reaction and host tissue interaction. Therefore the biomaterial constructs were placed subcutaneosuly, intramusculary and in a prefabricated abdominal skin flap. The tissue-engineered constructs remained stable in size, showed signs of tiss...
»