CONCLUSIONS
Here, an alternative seeding methodology has been proposed and evaluated
to assess its possible use for a direct incorporation of chondrocytes
onto electrospun scaffolds. Bio-electrospraying proved to be
non-detrimental for chondrocytes under certain operational conditions.
These include an intermediate NG (27G), not only to prevent cell
shearing from a smaller NG, but also to avert the solicitation of higher
voltages to establish a stable cone-jet mode from the higher NG; lower
applied voltage (9 kV), since higher voltages can induce electrical and
thermal damages to the cells; smaller NCD (5 cm), to prevent cell
desiccation and increase the number of recovered cells; and an
intermediate FR (2 to 5 mL/h) to prevent not only the shear stress on
the cells of higher FR, but also to reduce the electrospraying duration
and, the consequent, prolonged exposure to the electric field and lower
temperatures and CO2 concentrations. The long-term
proliferation studies revealed that chondrocyte proliferative ability
was not affected, regardless of the employed operational conditions.
These results suggest that in fact this technology might be a promising
alternative to the existent cell seeding techniques, promoting not only
cells safe delivery to the scaffold, but also the development of highly
cellularized and uniform tissue constructs for cartilage repair.