Chondrocyte Cell Production (Autologous)
Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (ACI) is a regenerative treatment method used in the treatment of joint cartilage damage. It has been developed specifically to repair joint cartilage defects caused by trauma in young and active patients.
- Chondrocytes are cells that play a role in the production of collagen protein, the basic component of cartilage tissue.
- They are responsible for the continuity of the extracellular matrix synthesis of cartilage tissue and the preservation of collagen proteoglycans.
- In adults, the proliferation, division, and repair capabilities of cartilage cells are limited. Therefore, the treatment of damaged cartilage is difficult.
- With Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (ACI), the patient’s chondrocyte cells are multiplied outside the body and then placed in the area of cartilage damage with the aim of repairing the damage.
Autologous chondrocyte cell production is based on the principle of isolating and multiplying chondrocytes obtained from a small biopsy of the patient’s own joint cartilage in a laboratory environment. This method is also known as Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (ACI). Chondrocytes are the fundamental cells of the hyaline cartilage tissue covering the joint surface and provide the joint’s flexibility, load-bearing capacity, and durability by synthesising extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins (type II collagen, aggrecan).
Autologous chondrocytes, multiplied in a laboratory environment in accordance with GMP standards, are then injected into the patient’s damaged cartilage area or implanted using special carrier membranes. This allows the hyaline-like cartilage tissue lost on the joint surface to be rebuilt and joint function to be improved.
Process
In order to obtain healthy cartilage tissue from the patient, an orthopaedic specialist must take a cartilage biopsy with a volume of 1-3 mm³.
The chondrocytes contained in the cartilage tissue obtained by biopsy are separated from the tissue in a laboratory environment and then multiplied and made ready for use.
The multiplication process takes 4-6 weeks to achieve the desired number of chondrocyte cells.
The final product can be in suspension form (ready for injection) or the chondrocyte cells can be prepared attached to a collagen-based membrane (patch).
Usage
- It should be used for cartilage injuries larger than 4 cm².
- It is suitable for use on all types of cartilage.
- The cartilage damage should only affect one side of the joint.
It should be used in patients under 50 years of age with a normal BMI. - The joint must be protected from stress for 8-12 weeks after the procedure.
- There should be no meniscus loss or ligament insufficiency in the application area.
- It is contraindicated in patients with infection, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, systemic lupus erythematosus, widespread osteoarthritis, haemophilia and similar bleeding disorders, gout and similar metabolic diseases.
Orthopaedics and Traumatology
- Knee joint cartilage defects
- Ankle and hip joint cartilage damage
- Trauma-related focal cartilage loss
- Cartilage lesions due to sports injuries
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
- Early stage osteoarthritis applications (for supportive purposes)
- Improvement of joint function
- Reduction of pain and movement restriction
Tissue Engineering and Combination Therapies
- Combined applications with biomaterial carriers (hydrogel, membrane)
- Regenerative therapies combined with mesenchymal stem cells or exosomes
Autologous chondrocyte cell production is a proven cellular treatment method, particularly effective in treating cartilage loss due to trauma or sports injuries in young and active individuals. It is one of the most important applications of regenerative medicine in orthopaedics due to its ability to restore joint function, reduce pain, and provide long-term biological repair.
Quality Control Parameters (Autologous Chondrocyte Production)
- Serology Analysis
- Culture Analysis
- Cell Count and Viability Analysis
- Endotoxin Analysis
- Mycoplasma Analysis
- Gram Stain Analysis