Abstract: Objective To explore the feasibility of constructing tissue engineered cartilage by using gelatin/curcumin nanofibres membranes as scaffold in subcutaneous model. Methods The seed cells were obtained from rabbit ear cartilage. After in vitro culture and expansion, cartilage was constructed with gelatin nanofibers membrane (control group) and gelatin/curcumin nanofibers membrane (experimental group) as scaffolds. Gross observation was performed after the material was implanted into the back of the BALB/c nude mice; SEM observation of the material and cell-material complex were all performed; The cell proliferation rate of the cell-material complex was measured; The cell-material complex cultured in vitro for 1 week was implanted into the back of BALB/c nude mice. Histological examination was performed 3 and 12 weeks after implantation, and cartilage formation at different time points was compared. Results Gross observation showed that compared with the control group, the vascularization of the tissue around in the experimental group was significantly inhibited; The SEM observation showed that the chondrocyts in the two groups adhered well; Growth curve of the chondrocyts showed that curcumin had no significant effect on cell growth; Histological observation showed that the cell-material complex of both groups had cartilage lacuna formation after implanted for 3 and 12 weeks, but compared with the control group, the material in experimental group showed obvious absorption, and the cartilage matrix was thicker and more homogenization. Conclusion Gelatin/curcumin membranes could be successfully used as scaffold in the construction of tissue engineering cartilage in subcutaneous animal model. It is a kind of scaffold material with potential application prospect.

Key words: Tissue engineered cartilage, Nanofibres membranes, Curcumin, Anti-vascularization