Bioengineered chondrocyte-products from human induced pluripotent stem cells are useful for repairing articular cartilage injury in minipig model

The capacity of articular cartilage for self-repair is limited. Therefore, wide-ranging cartilage damage rarely resolves spontaneously, leading to the development of osteoarthritis. Previously, we developed human-induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived expandable human limb-bud-like mesenchymal (ExpLBM) cells with stable expansion and high chondrogenic capacity. In this study, various forms of articular cartilage-like tissue were fabricated using ExpLBM technology and evaluated to examine their potential as biomaterials. ExpLBM cells derived from hiPSCs were used to produce particle-like cartilage tissue and plate-like cartilage tissue. The cartilaginous particles and cartilaginous plates were transplanted into a minipig osteochondral defect model, and cartilage engraftment was histologically evaluated. For both transplanted cartilaginous particles and cartilaginous plates, good Safranin O staining and integration with the surrounding tissue were observed. Cartilaginous particles and cartilaginous plates made using hiPSCs-derived ExpLBM cells are effective for the regeneration of cartilage after injury.