An in vitro investigation of the PEMA/THFMA system using chondrocyte culture

Adult articular cartilage has a limited capacity for self-repair and a biomaterial to aid the process would be ideal. The polymer system, poly(ethyl methacrylate)/tetrahydrofurfuryl methacrylate (PEMA/THFMA) has shown potential in a rabbit model for such a role. The ability of the polymer system to support chondrocytes in vitro was investigated by light microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and biochemical assays. The PEMA/THFMA system maintained chondrocytes in agarose in a viable state with more glycosaminoglycan (GAG) produced per unit DNA after 14 days in culture compared to the tissue culture plastic control. Chondrocytes remained rounded on the polymer system surface as opposed to well spread on the Thermanox. The PEMA/THFMA system has been shown to be biocompatible for bovine chondrocytes maintaining them in a differentiated state with enhanced GAG production.