Methods and compositions for the biological repair of cartilage using a hybridconstruct combining both an inert structure and living core are described. Theinert structure is intended to act not only as a delivery system to feed andgrow a living core component, but also as an inducer of cell differentiation.The inert structure comprises concentric internal and external andinflatable/expandable balloon-like bio-polymers. The living core comprises thecell-matrix construct comprised of HDFs, for example, seeded in a scaffold.The method comprises surgically removing a damaged cartilage from a patientand inserting the hybrid construct into the cavity generated after theforegoing surgical intervention. The balloons of the inert structure aresuccessively inflated within the target area, such as a joint, for example.Also disclosed herein are methods for growing and differentiating humanfibroblasts into chondrocyte-like cells via mechanical strain.
