Abstract
We are undergoing clinical research for regenerative medicine using chondrocyte sheets for the treatment of articular cartilage. We previously concluded a successful clinical study using autologous chondrocyte sheets and are now conducting our second clinical study using allogeneic chondrocyte sheets. Currently, allogeneic chondrocyte sheets are fabricated from chondrocytes derived from the surgical remains of juvenile polydactyly patients, which show promise as a new cell source. The use of allogeneic chondrocytes allows the fabrication of chondrocyte sheets for transplantation from those cells whose safety and quality have been established prior to fabrication. However, to further accelerate joint treatment with chondrocyte sheets, the development of a practical system for storing a readymade supply of chondrocyte sheets, i.e. a preservation system, is indispensable from the viewpoint of cost reduction and stable supply. Here, we report the development of a vitrification method for chondrocyte sheets that allow the long–term cryopreservation of transplantation–ready chondrocyte sheets. This technology will accelerate the popularization of chondrocyte sheets used in articular cartilage regeneration.
