Scaffolded Chondrogenic Spheroid-Engrafted Model

Therapeutic approaches using mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for a cartilage regeneration strategy are based on their multipotent differentiation for skeletal regeneration. With the utilization of allergenic neutralized type I atelocollagen during the pre-formation of chondrogenic MSC spheroids, cellular condensation and chondrogenic differentiation can be easily achieved. It also benefits the recruitment of host MSCs, which differentiate into chondrocyte-like cells after implantation into the experiment model. Using pre-formed chondrogenic MSC spheroids, the efficacy of anti-rheumatoid agents for cartilage repair can be screened on a large scale ex vivo. Furthermore, atelocollagen-scaffolded chondrogenic spheroids can be utilized for in vivo transplantation into a humanized xenografted arthritis model. Thus, the ability of cartilage self-repair can be qualitatively and quantitatively evaluated.