Chondrocyte viability is higher when OCA are stored at 4°C in TCM with greater nutritional content. TCM with fetal bovine serum (FBS) preserves viability better than serum free media and Lactated Ringers, but there is still substantial cell death versus fresh controls and OCA stored at 37°C, especially at the vulnerable superficial zone. At 4°C, while cells are vulnerable to death and relatively quiescent, cartilage matrix content and structure are maintained, but matrix metabolism is decreased and expression of proapoptotic genes are increased. 37 °C storage of OCA supports long-term chondrocyte viability, especially at the articular surface, but cartilage matrix content can be modulated.