Pricella® Primary Cartilage-Derived Cell Isolation Kits: Accurately Isolate the “Cell All-Stars” and Unlock Diverse Research

Isolating and culturing primary cells is a cornerstone of life science research, providing a more accurate representation of the physiological state of cells in vivo. To help researchers overcome the technical challenges of primary cell isolation, Pricella® has developed a series of high-efficiency, easy-to-use isolation kits covering six major tissue types: brain, vascular tissue, liver, cartilage, bone marrow, and heart. These kits are designed to deliver high-purity, high-viability cells quickly and consistently.

In this edition of Cell Culture Academy, we spotlight the Primary Cartilage-Derived Cell Isolation Kits, detailing their key features, typical applications, and practical tips.

Ⅰ. Primary Cartilage-Derived Cell Types and Their Research

Chondrocytes from different anatomical regions exhibit distinct morphological features and stress adaptations. The following are several primary chondrocyte types commonly used in experimental research:

Articular chondrocytes

Also called hyaline chondrocytes, these cells are abundant on the articular surfaces of weight-bearing joints, such as the knee. They play a critical role in maintaining cartilage matrix homeostasis and resisting compressive and frictional forces. They are commonly used in studies on osteoarthritis, cartilage repair materials, and joint mechanobiology.

Acetabular chondrocytes

A subset of articular chondrocytes, these cells are found on the acetabular surface. While their structure and phenotype resemble typical articular chondrocytes, they exhibit unique metabolic and stress-response characteristics due to the complex mechanical environment. They are frequently used in research on femoral head necrosis, hip dysplasia, and post-joint replacement repair mechanisms.

Temporomandibular joint chondrocytes

These cells are typical “secondary cartilage” cells and are essential for the development and functional regulation of maxillofacial bones. They express type I and type Ⅱcollagen in different layers, displaying dual phenotypes of cartilage and osteogenesis. They are widely used in studies of temporomandibular disorders (TMD), masticatory mechanics, and secondary cartilage development.

Intervertebral Disc Annulus Fibrosus Cells

Located primarily in the fibrocartilaginous tissue at the periphery of the intervertebral disc, these cells exhibit characteristics of both fibroblasts and chondrocyte-like cells. Their primary role is to resist tensile forces and maintain disc structural stability. They are commonly employed in research on intervertebral disc degeneration, spinal biomechanics, and disc repair strategies.

Ⅱ. Pricella® Primary Cartilage-Derived Cell Isolation Kits

1. Product Catalog 

2.Kit Components and Brief Description of Their Functions

Washing Solution: Used for rinsing femoral and tibial tissues, effectively removing impurities, and protecting cell activity, and helping to inhibit bacterial growth.

Specialized Digestive Solution: Used to break down various proteins that connect cells in tissues to promote the dissociation of tissues into single - cell suspensions.

Basic Culture Medium and Supplement: Provide essential nutrients to support cell growth and promote the preferential expansion of target cell types.

Cell Filter: Removes undigested tissue fragments and debris through physical filtration, improving the purity of the resulting cell suspension.

3.Cell Images from Kit Isolation (Partial)

	Rat Temporomandibular Joint Chondrocytes (Collagen II)	Rat Intervertebral Disc Annulus Fibrosus Cells (Collagen I)	Mouse Articular Chondrocytes (Collagen II)	Mouse Intervertebral Disc Annulus Fibrosus Cells (Collagen I)
Microscopic View of Cell Morphology
Immunofluorescence Identification

Primary Cartilage-Derived cells isolated using Pricella® kits exhibit excellent experimental characteristics: they show strong adherence, typical cellular morphology, and stable physiological conditions. Target cell-specific markers are robustly expressed, with purity exceeding 90%. These cells demonstrate high reproducibility and consistent results, making them well-suited for downstream experimental applications.

Ⅲ . Common Issues in Primary Cartilage-Derived Cell Isolation and Culture

1. Is it necessary to use 14-day-old mice and rats? Can younger or older animals also be used with this cartilage-derived cell isolation kit? 

Mice and rats aged 2-4 weeks can be used for cell isolation with this kit. However, experiments have shown that 14-day-old mice and rats provide the highest success rate. At this age, cartilage tissue is abundant, cell activity is high, and isolation is most effective.

Using younger animals yields less tissue, resulting in lower cell numbers.

Using older animals, cartilage gradually matures into bone, tissue quantity decreases, and cell activity declines. Isolation from older mice and rats is possible if required for specific experiments, but note that cell attachment time may vary.

2. Must cartilage tissue digestion always be exactly 48 h? Can the digestion time be adjusted? 

Typical digestion time for cartilage tissue is 24-48 h and does not need to be exactly 48 h. The exact time depends mainly on the size of the tissue block. It is recommended to monitor the tissue regularly during digestion. When the tissue has significantly shrunk or nearly disappeared, and many free cells are visible in the solution, the cells can be released by pipetting, and digestion can be stopped.

3. What if scissors are used out of order or tissue falls on the dissection board during sampling? Can the sample still be used? 

Scissors used out of order: Scissors should be used according to the numbered sequence in the instruction manual.

A.If a cleaner No. 2 scissor is used when a No. 1 scissor should be used, the contamination risk is low, and the tissue can still be used. However, a new sterile scissor should be prepared to replace the one that was used.

B.If a No. 1 scissor is used when a No. 2 scissor should be used, the contamination risk is higher, and it is not recommended to continue using the tissue.

Tissue falls on the dissection board: The board is usually difficult to keep sterile. Once tissue contacts the surface, the risk of contamination is high, and the sample should not be used.