Objective—To establish the dose-dependent effects of high-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid (HA) supplementation on chondrogenesis by mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) cultured on chitosan sponges and to determine the extent to which MSC matrix production (chondrogenesis) can be influenced by incorporation of high-molecular-weight HA into chitosan scaffolds. Sample Population—Murine MSCs derived from a multipotent bone marrow stromal precursor. Procedures—MSCs were seeded on chitosan and chitosan-HA scaffolds in chondrogenic medium with various HA concentrations. Scanning electron microscopy, fluorescence microscopy (viability assay), and DNA quantification were used to assess cell attachment, distribution, and viability 48 hours after seeding. Constructs were cultured for 3 weeks prior to evaluation of cell distribution and chondrogenic differentiation via histologic evaluation and quantification of DNA, glycosaminoglycan, and collagen II. Results—48 hours after MSC seeding, cell viability and DNA content were similar among groups. Three weeks after seeding, HA supplementation of the culture medium improved matrix production in a dose-dependent manner, as indicated by matrix glycosaminoglycan and collagen II concentrations. The scaffold composition, however, had no significant effect on matrix production. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—High-molecular-weight HA supplementation in culture medium had a dose-dependent effect on matrix production and thus chondrogenic differentiation of MSCs cultured on chitosan sponges. The addition of HA in the surrounding fluid during chondrogenesis should improve cartilage production and may be useful for producing engineered cartilage tissues.

Here we systematically assess the degradation of biodegradable magnesium pins (as-drawn pure Mg, as-cast Mg-Zn-Mn, and extruded Mg-Zn-Mn) in a bioreactor applying cyclical loading and simulated body fluid (SBF) perfusion. Cyclical mechanical loading and interstitial flow accelerated the overall corrosion rate, leading to loss of mechanical strength. When compared to the in vivo degradation (degradation rate, product formation, uniform or localized pitting, and stress distribution) of the same materials in mouse subcutaneous and dog tibia implant models, we demonstrate that the in vitro model facilitates the analysis of the complex degradation behavior of Mg-based alloys in vivo. This study progresses the development of a suitable in vitro model to examine the effects of mechanical stress and interstitial flow on biodegradable implant materials.

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Lee M, et al. J Vet Sci. 2018 Nov;19(6):827-834. https://doi.org/10.4142/jvs.2018.19.6.827