| 초록 |
Hyaluronic acid (HA), a naturally occurring polysaccharide and a major component of extracellular matrix in connective tissues, was immobilized on the surface of biodegradable macroporous poly(D,L-lactic acid-co-glycolic acid)[PLGA] scaffolds fabricated. HA has been known to stimulate the growth of chondrocytes, because it has specific binding affinity to the receptor of chondrocytes, such as CD44. Pre-activated HA with EDC and HOBt was chemically conjugated onto the surface of porous PLGA scaffolds having primary amine groups. Bovine articular chondrocytes were cultivated in these HA modified biodegradable scaffolds. HA within the scaffolds enhanced the extent of cartilage formation. The total amount of cell DNA, collagen synthesis, and GAG synthesis were quantified during a one-month cultivation period. Chondrocytes, cultivated in HA immobilized PLGA scaffolds, produced more chondrotin sulfate and collagen, and showed more enhanced viability, compared to those in PLGA scaffolds. Immuno-staining results for collagen type II serum indicated that collagen type II was synthesized predominantly for HA immobilized scaffolds. RT-PCR revealed that collagen type II was successfully expressed in cultivated chondrocytes. Histological study also showed that cartilage tissue formed from HA immobilized scaffolds was compact and tight, whereas that from PLGA scaffolds was dispersed and loosely packed. HA-immobilized scaffolds are expected to be a promising approach for cartilage regeneration. |
