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Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy

Published in:

01-06-2019 | EXPERIMENTAL STUDY

Agili-C implant promotes the regenerative capacity of articular cartilage defects in an ex vivo model

Authors: Susan Chubinskaya, Berardo Di Matteo, Laura Lovato, Francesco Iacono, Dror Robinson, Elizaveta Kon

Published in: Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy | Issue 6/2019

Abstract

Purpose

Osteochondral implants are currently adopted for the treatment of symptomatic full-thickness chondral and osteochondral defects. Agili-C™ is a cell-free aragonite-based scaffold which aims to reproduce the original structure and function of the articular joint while directing the growth and regeneration of both cartilage and its underlying subchondral bone. The goal of the present study was to investigate the ex vivo mechanisms of action (MOA) of the Agili-C™ implant in the repair of full-thickness cartilage defects. In particular, we tested whether Agili-C™ implant has the potential to stimulate cartilage ingrowth through chondrocytes migration into the 3D interconnected porous structure of the scaffold, along with maintaining their viability and phenotype and the deposition of hyaline cartilage matrix.

Methods

Articular cartilage samples were collected through the Gift of Hope Organ and Tissue Donor Network (Itasca, IL) within 24 h from death. For this study, cartilage from a total of 14 donors was used. To model a chondral defect, donut-shaped cartilage explants were prepared from each tissue specimen. The chondral phase of the Agili-C™ implant was placed inside the tissue in full contact and press fit manner. Cartilage explants with the Agili-C™ implant inside were cultured for 60 days. As a control, the same donut-shaped cartilage explants were cultured without Agili-C™, under the same culture conditions.

Results

Using fresh human cadaveric articular cartilage tissue in a 60-day culture, it was demonstrated that chondrocytes were able to migrate into the Agili-C™ scaffold and contribute to the deposition of the extracellular matrix (ECM) rich in collagen type II and aggrecan, and lacking collagen type I. Additionally, we were able to show the formation of a layer populated by progenitor-like cells on the articular surface of the implant.

Conclusions

The analysis of samples taken from knee and ankle joints of human donors with a wide age range and both genders supports the potential of Agili-C™ scaffold to stimulate cartilage regeneration and repair. Based on these results, the present scaffold can be used in the clinical practice as a one-step procedure to treat full-thickness chondral defects.

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Title: Agili-C implant promotes the regenerative capacity of articular cartilage defects in an ex vivo model
Authors: Susan Chubinskaya
Berardo Di Matteo
Laura Lovato
Francesco Iacono
Dror Robinson
Elizaveta Kon
Publication date: 01-06-2019
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy / Issue 6/2019
Print ISSN: 0942-2056
Electronic ISSN: 1433-7347
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00167-018-5263-1

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Agili-C implant promotes the regenerative capacity of articular cartilage defects in an ex vivo model

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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