Formation of a cartilage-biomaterial biphasic construct with a calcified cartilage zone

This study describes the development of a biphasic construct in which the hyaline cartilage has calcified cartilage close to the tissue-substrate interface. The mineral that formed in vitro was identified as hydroxyapatite and was similar to that found in vivo. The inclusion of mineralized cartilage within the extracellular matrix significantly improved the load-bearing capacity, tissue stiffness and attachment to the underlying substrate when compared to cartilage lacking a mineralized component. Understanding the mechanical properties of the cartilage-bone interface will provide valuable insight into the necessary conditions for forming suitable biphasic constructs in vitro that can be used to successfully resurface osteochondral defects.