FIG. 1.

Anatomically shaped MSC-seeded alginate phalanx constructs were fabricated and cultured chondrogenically for 5 weeks. (a) 3D solid model of anatomically shaped phalanx construct. (b) Chondral layer molding system. Chondrocytes were self-assembled in cylindrical agarose wells. (c) Osseous component molding system. Clockwise from bottom; The two-part negative ABS mold, one half of the resultant positive 4% agarose/50 mM CaCl₂ mold, assembly of the two-part agarose/CaCl₂, and injection with MSC-laden alginate hydrogel. (d) Anatomically shaped constructs were formed by attaching a chondral layer (self-assembled chondrocytes, top) to an osseous component (MSC-laden alginate, bottom) using fibrin glue. (e) Macroscopic image of the anatomically shaped construct at the end of the in vitro culture period. Scale bar is 2 mm. Insets show the interface of the osseous and chondral components stained with aldehyde fuchsin/alcian blue (left) and picrosirius red (right). Inset scale bars are 500 μm. ABS, acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene; MSC, mesenchymal stem cell.