Interaction of cartilage and ceramic matrix.

As subchondral bone is often affected during cartilage injuries, the aim of research is to generate osteochondral implants in vitro using tissue engineering techniques. These constructs consist of a cartilage layer grown on top of a bone phase. In clinical applications, phosphate ceramics have gained acceptance as bone substitute materials because of their great affinity to natural bone. Furthermore, the interaction between cartilage and the underlying bone equivalent is essential for the development and success of osteochondral implants. Here, the influence of a carrier containing hydroxyapatite on the quality of cartilage constructs generated in vitro is investigated. Attempts are made to explain the effects described, by considering chemical and physical properties of the biomaterial.