An electrophysiological comparison of freshly isolated caprine articular chondrocytes versus cryopreserved chondrocytes

Objectives: Cryopreserved chondrocytes find numerous applications in reconstructive surgery, tissue engineering, and cell-based therapy. Cryopreserved chondrocytes may behave differently due to a change in cell biology. To assess phenotype maintenance, the electrophysiological profile of the cells can be studied. In this study, a comparison between freshly isolated and cryopreserved chondrocytes was made by recording ionic currents using patch clamp. Materials and Methods: Caprine articular chondrocytes were harvested and cryopreserved for 7–15 days and divided into two groups. Percentage cell viability was assessed, following which both fresh and cryopreserved cells were subjected to analysis in whole cell configuration using depolarizing voltage steps. Results: Outwardly, rectifying currents were recorded in both groups. Comparison of current densities at all potentials above the threshold, revealed no significant difference between fresh and cryopreserved chondrocytes. Conclusion: As electrophysiological properties of cryopreserved chondrocytes appear to be maintained, they may be readily utilized in place of fresh cells.