Following injury, articular cartilage may fail to repair or may repair by fibrocartilage, resulting in impaired clinical function and loss of biochemical and biomechanical characteristics. A group of new biomaterials, made from collagen, hyaluronic acid, and hydroxylapatite, have been developed to immobilize chondrocytes in vitro and support subsequent cell growth. These collagen/chondrocyte tissue analogues formed in culture are placed into surgically induced cartilage defects to facilitate the repair of articular cartilage. Phase I in vitro studies were used to determine the optimal pore size of the collagen matrix and hyaluronic acid concentration of the composite material, as determined by chondrocyte growth. In addition, a preliminary in vivo study with rabbits investigated the histology and mechanical properties of surgically damaged hyaline cartilage (defects through the subchondral plate) with and without the cartilage repair material. It was shown that the material provided a strong framework for the repair of hyaline cartilage. The Phase II proposal intends to optimize the composition parameters of the material, and complete a series of animal studies that will lead to human clinical trials.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)
Type
Small Business Innovation Research Grants (SBIR) - Phase II (R44)
Project #
2R44AR040265-02A1
Application #
2079945
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (SSS (B2))
Project Start
1993-05-20
Project End
1995-04-30
Budget Start
1993-05-20
Budget End
1994-04-30
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
1993
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Medimatrix, Inc.
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
West Chester
State
PA
Country
United States
Zip Code
19380