Extracellular Vesicles in Fibrin Gel for Cartilage Repair

Condition(s) studied

Study summary

This project aims to produce and study in vitro/ex vivo a platelet rich plasma (PRP)-derived fibrin gel loaded with mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC)-extracellular vesicles (EVs), to combine the positive results on cartilage growth of PRP growth factors and the hyaline cartilage stimulating activity of MSC-EVs. Therefore, the project goal is to provide an advanced option for orthopedic patients with an innovative evolution of a gold standard procedure, making it easy to translate into daily clinical practice for physicians, healthcare professionals and patients.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Confirm the incorporation rate of extracellular vesicles (EV) into platelet-rich plasma (PRP) following the formation of fibrin gel — 2 years
  To implement the preliminary data obtained by the PI in the development of a protocol to achieve efficient incorporation of mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles into platelet-rich plasma-derived fibrin gels and characterize their release. MSC-EVs will be embedded in fibrin gel using PRP provided by patients enrolled in the study that is activated to obtain the solid form. To monitor the incorporation and release of EVs from the PRP-gel, EVs will be labeled with a fluorescent marker to allow their subsequent detection by cytometry or imaging methods. The ability of the released EVs to be incorporated into human chondrocytes and penetrate cartilage will be tested using three in vitro models: i) flow cytometry in a 2D culture model; ii) a 3D microfluidic model; iii) a Quantitative Imaging with cartilage explants. Biological activity will be tested on pathological chondrocytes.

Trial sites (1)

More I.R.C.C.S Ospedale Galeazzi-Sant'Ambrogio trials in Italy