Fig. 5

Schematic of in vivo evaluation of micro-pellets. a Ten-day chondrogenically induced oBMSC or oACh micro-pellets were layered onto a Celgro scaffold in a custom-made cylindric chamber (6 mm in diameter and 1.5 mm high). b Two drops of fibrinogen were added to the micro-pellets, followed by two drops of thrombin, to adhere the micro-pellets to each other and to the Celgro scaffold. c The repair construct was lifted with forceps. d The repair construct was placed into a cartilage defect that was of a similar dimension, with the micro-pellet layer facing down into the subchondral layer and the Celgro scaffold on top. e Four sutures were used to fix the Celgro scaffold to the adjacent cartilage tissue. f Sheep were placed in slings for 2 weeks to recover and then were allowed to roam freely for the remaining 6 weeks