Chondrogenic properties of human periosteum-derived progenitor cells (PDPCs) embedded in a thermoreversible gelation polymer (TGP)

Periosteum-derived progenitor cells (PDPCs) were isolated using a fluorescence-activated cell sorter and their chondrogenic potential in biomaterials was investigated for the treatment of defective articular cartilage as a cell therapy. The chondrogenesis of PDPCs was conducted in a thermoreversible gelation polymer (TGP), which is a block copolymer composed of temperature-responsive polymer blocks such as poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) and of hydrophilic polymer blocks such as polyethylene oxide, and a defined medium that contained transforming growth factor-β3 (TGF-β3). The PDPCs exhibited chondrogenic potential when cultured in TGP. As the PDPCs-TGP is an acceptable biocompatible complex appropriate for injection into humans, this product might be readily applied to minimize invasion in a defected knee.