Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for propagating or enriching cartilage cells and providing spheroids thereof, wherein the spheroids are useful for an autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) product. Hence, the invention in particular relates to the production of spheroids from articular cartilage and use thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing cartilage tissue by selecting and choosing from chondrocytes or spheroids, and use thereof as pharmaceutical composition, medicinal product or transplant. In particular, the invention relates to markers for identifying suitable chondrocytes for producing cartilage tissue, in particular for the purpose of transplantation.

Abstract: The invention proposes a cell-free graft, comprising (i) a cohesive, structure-forming matrix with open porosity made from a biologically and pharmaceutically acceptable material and (ii) serum. In one particularly preferred embodiment, the matrix additionally contains a gel. By virtue of a second aspect, a method of producing such a cell-free graft is proposed, whereby the matrix and the gel, if one is provided, is placed in contact with the serum. The graft may optionally be dried with serum. Alternatively, the matrix and the gel, if one is provided, are in the dried state before being placed in contact with the serum. By virtue of a third aspect, finally, the invention proposes the use of the cell-free graft for regenerating tissue and in particular for regenerating cartilage and/or bone.

Abstract: A cell-free graft contains (i) a cohesive, scaffold-forming matrix with open porosity containing a biologically and pharmaceutically acceptable material, and (ii) a gel of a biologically and pharmaceutically acceptable material. The cell-free graft is produced by (v) contacting the matrix with the gel, and (vi) drying the matrix-gel complex formed in (v). The cell-free graft can be used for covering and increasing the viscoelasticity of defects, for tissue regeneration and in particular for regenerating mesenchymal tissue, especially cartilage and/or bone.

Abstract: A cell-free graft contains (i) a cohesive, scaffold-forming matrix with open porosity containing a biologically and pharmaceutically acceptable material, and (ii) a gel of a biologically and pharmaceutically acceptable material. The cell-free graft is produced by (v) contacting the matrix with the gel, and (vi) drying the matrix-gel complex formed in (v). The cell-free graft can be used for covering and increasing the viscoelasticity of defects, for tissue regeneration and in particular for regenerating mesenchymal tissue, especially cartilage and/or bone.

Abstract: The invention proposes a cell-free graft, comprising (i) a cohesive, structure-forming matrix with open porosity made from a biologically and pharmaceutically acceptable material and (ii) serum. In one particularly preferred embodiment, the matrix additionally contains a gel. By virtue of a second aspect, a method of producing such a cell-free graft is proposed, whereby the matrix and the gel, if one is provided, is placed in contact with the serum. The graft may optionally be dried with serum. Alternatively, the matrix and the gel, if one is provided, are in the dried state before being placed in contact with the serum. By virtue of a third aspect, finally, the invention proposes the use of the cell-free graft for regenerating tissue and in particular for regenerating cartilage and/or bone.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for recognizing signatures in complex gene expression profiles that comprises the steps of: a) making available a biological sample that is to be examined, b) making available at least one suitable expression profile, whereby at least one expression profile comprises one or more markers that are typical exclusively of the expression profile, c) determining the complex expression profile of the biological sample, d) determining the quantitative cellular composition of the biological sample by means of the expression profiles determined in steps b) and c). In addition, the process according to the invention can comprise the steps of e) calculating a virtual signal that is expected based on the specific composition of the expression profile, f) calculation of the difference from the actually measured complex expression profile and the virtual signal, and g) determination of the quantitative composition of the complex expression profile based on the determined differences.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of chemokines and/or nucleic acids encoding a chemokine for recruiting mesenchymal precursor and/or stem cells in vivo and in vitro. The present invention also relates to pharmaceutical preparations which comprise these substances and which are preferably intended for recruiting mesenchymal precursor and/or stem cells for tissue synthesis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of tissue engineering, in particular to the replacement of pathological tissue in joints (mainly bones and cartilage) and the treatment and the prevention of osteo-arthritic conditions in joints. For this purpose, the invention discloses methods for producing cell compositions, which comprise the provision of mesenchymal cells and synovial fluid, as well as the mixture thereof for obtaining a cell composition. Cell compositions are provided, which are used for the treatment of osteo-arthrosis and articular diseases or defects. Furthermore, the cell compositions are used for producing transplants. Finally, the present invention relates to methods for treating articular defects.