Assay System for Cartilage and Bone Regeneration

A model system that can replicate features in cartilage and bone embryonic development will provide a critical tool for determining pathways for tissue regeneration. The objective of this Phase I application is to establish a 3D culture containing human MSCs expressing a chondrogenic or osteogenic phenotype, as a mechanically functional model system for the assessment of agents and growth conditions that can induce cartilage and bone formation, with appropriate molecular, cellular and tissue outcome measures. In order to achieve this objective the following Specific Aims will be performed. Specific Aim 1: Demonstrate the formation of cartilage and bone extracellular matrix using a 3D hydrogel-scaffold assembled composite seeded with MSCs, and cultured in the presence and absence of chondrogenic or osteogenic culture conditions using a factoral design of experiment (DOE). Specific Aim 2: Demonstrate the use of this construct system in a multi-well format. Successful implementation of this Phase I SBIR project will result in proof of concept for a new model system that can be used to assess the molecular and cellular activities during cartilage and bone regeneration in vitro.