Effect of PLGA scaffold-bone marrow cells complex in diffusion chamber

Objective: This study was intended to evaluate the combination effect of Poly (DL-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) sponge scaffold and cultured rat bone marrow cells in a diffusion chamber (DC). Methods: PLGA pellets were dissolved in the acetone and mixed with sodium chloride (NaCl) to prepare for PLGA sponges. The solution was put into each frame and then dried. NaCl was eluted out from a lump of PLGA by distilled water. After that, the lump was dried with lyophilizer for 24 hours. The surface of PLGA sponge was observed by scanning electron micrographs (SEM). Bone marrow cells, which were isolated from the femur of rats, were placed into supplemented medium. We prepared two groups as follows; bone marrow cells only and bone marrow cells with PLGA. Combined solution or containing with cell solution was injected into each DC with a 25-gauge needle. DCs were implanted into the abdominal cavity of rats, and then were harvested on 14, 21 and 28 days post implantation. Histological observation and quantification of Ca concentration were performed on 14 and 28 days after implantation. Results: SEM observation showed isotropic voids which reflect the shape of eluted NaCl, and their pore size were almost same size as NaCl. During an initial in vivo culture stage, cells colonize to the surface of scaffold and may seemed to begin producing cell matrix. Concentration of Ca was increasing during the culture period. In this diffusion chamber system, the cells within the chambers could survive by diffusion of tissue fluid from host animals, but macrophage invasion was blocked by the filter membranes. Conclusion: Our results indicate that rat bone marrow cells can ubiquitously produce cell matrix on the surface of PLGA sponge scaffolds.