#frontiers

Low Oxygen Concentration Enhances Chondrogenesis and Secretome Production in Mesenchymal Stem Cells Cultured in a Three-Dimentional Decellularized Bovine Cartilage Scaffolds

Abstract Introduction: Stem cells hold promise for tissue repair due to their secretome, which is influenced by the microenvironment. To improve cartilage regeneration, a three-dimensional (3D) natural cartilage scaffold system has been developed to create a more chondrogenic secretome. As human cartilage is avascular, a hypoxic environment may better mimic in vivo conditions. This study investigates if oxygen levels (normoxic vs. hypoxic) affect MSC chondrogenic potential and secretome composition in this 3D scaffold. Methods: This study used a randomized time series design to investigate how oxygen levels affect the transformation of MSCs into cartilage cells within a 3D cartilage scaffold. A control group (C) was grown in a standard medium. Two experimental groups, P1 and P2, were cultured n a 3D cartilage scaffold under normal (21%) and hypoxic (5%) oxygen concentration. respectively.