| Summary: | <p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Autologous chondrocyte transplantation is a promising technique for treatment of cartilage defects. Three dimensional chondrocyte cultures on a scaffold are widely used to retain the chondrogenic phenotype. Using a biodegradable gelatin scaffold is one option for the cell delivery system, but molecular and histological studies of the method have not yet been done.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>We evaluated the chondrogenic property of the primary human chondrocyte on a gelatin scaffold as compared to a collagen scaffold over a period of 21 days. We examined the production of glycosaminoglycan by quantitative and histological analysis. Gene expression of cartilage-associated molecules was assessed by quantitative RT-PCR.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The gelatin scaffold showed the ability to promote chondrocyte expansion, chondrogenic phenotype retention at molecular and mRNA levels.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>This scaffold is thus suitable for use as an <it>in vitro</it> model for chondrocyte 3D culture.</p>
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