Abstract: Objective To evaluate the possibility of formation of subcutaneously implanted tissue-engineered cartilage using allograft chondrocytes mixed with xenogenic cartilage microparticle acellular matrix(CMACM) and fibrin glue(FG)as scaffold.Methods Chondrocytes were isolated from ears of adult New Zealand white rabbits.CMACM from porcine auricle was established and combined with FG and exoteric amplified chondrocytes.The compound was transplanted into the back of rabbits subcutaneously.The experiment was divided into three groups according to compound components。Group A,allograft chondrocytes mixed with CMACM and FG;Group B,autograft chondrocytes mixed with CMACM and FG;Group C with CMACM and FG.Five adult rabbits were used,and six regions were divided on the back of every rabbit.Each rabbit was injected compound of group A,B and C in two regions.Specimens were evaluated macroscopically,then harvested and detected histologically at 8 and 12 weeks after operation.Results In group A and C compounds could not form subcutaneous cartilage tissues.While cartilage tissues formed with group B mixtures at 8 weeks;At 12 weeks,new-formed cartilage tissues seemed even more stabilized without inflammatory around it.The size of new-formed cartilage was obviously shrinked with small vessels growing into it and the thickness of new-formed cartilages was only 1 mm.Conclusion The autogenic chondrocytes combining CMACM and FG matrix is a potential material to the cartilage tissue engineering.The volume and thickness of new-formed cartilage tissue is limited and micro-vessles growing into cartilage may contribute to longer survival for new tissues.

Key words: Allograft chondrocyte, Cartilage microparticle, Acellular matrix, Tissue engineering