This study shows that a bio-airbrush can be a clinically feasible instrument for the use in cell transplantations to repair knee cartilage defects. This technology would enable a shift from cartilage repair procedures, which are mostly performed using an arthrotomy, toward a fully arthoscopic approach. In addition, the technology presented could possibly be translated to other fields of research where controlled in situ deposition of cells is required, such as treatment of burn wounds/ulcers/others. Our research has shown that the use of an airbrush is safe, without harming cell viability and performance.
Keywords: airbrush; arthroscopy; cartilage; chondrocytes; fibrin; knee.