In the field of orthopaedics, autologous chondrocyte implantation is a technique currently used for the regeneration of damaged articular cartilage. There is evidence of the neo-formation of tissue displaying characteristics similar to hyaline cartilage. In vitro chondrocyte manipulation is a crucial phase of this therapeutic treatment consisting of different steps: cell isolation from a cartilage biopsy, expansion in monolayer culture and growth onto a three-dimensional biomaterial to implant in the damaged area. To minimise the risk of in vitro cell contamination, the manipulation must be performed in a controlled environment such as a cleanroom. Moreover, the choice of reagents and raw material suitable for clinical use in humans and the translation of research protocols into standardised production processes are important. In this study we describe the preliminary results obtained by the development of chondrocyte manipulation protocols (isolation and monolayer expansion) in cleanrooms for the application of autologous implantation.

According to the European Regulation EC 1394/2007, the clinical use of Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products, such as Human Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells expanded for the regeneration of bone tissue or Chondrocytes for Autologous Implantation, requires the development of a process in compliance with the Good Manufacturing Practices. The Media Fill test, consisting of a simulation of the expansion process by using a microbial growth medium instead of the cells, is considered one of the most effective ways to validate a cell production process. Such simulation, in fact, allows to identify any weakness in production that can lead to microbiological contamination of the final cell product as well as qualifying operators. Here, we report the critical aspects concerning the design of a Media Fill test to be used as a tool for the further validation of the sterility of a cell-based Good Manufacturing Practice-compliant production process.

According to the European Regulation (EC 1394/2007), Mesenchymal Stem Cells expanded in culture for clinical use are considered as Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products. As a consequence, they must be produced in compliance with Good Manufacturing Practice in order to ensure safety, reproducibility, and efficacy. Here, we report a Standard Operating Procedure describing the Good Manufacturing Practice-compliant production of Bone Marrow-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells suitable for autologous implantation in humans. This procedure can be considered as a template for the development of investigational medicinal Mesenchymal Stem Cells-based product protocols to be enclosed in the dossier required for a clinical trial approval. Possible clinical applications concern local uses in the regeneration of bone tissue in nonunion fractures or in orthopedic and maxillofacial diseases characterized by a bone loss.

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