Small Ruminant Models for Articular Cartilage Regeneration by Scaffold-Based Tissue Engineering

Table 2

Elements to be considered in experimental design and the advantages of small ruminants in the corresponding element.

Elements of research design					Advantages of small ruminants
Research design	Scaffold	Material	Natural synthetic		Sufficient lifespan to observe degradation and toxicity
		Loaded ingredient	Chondrocytes; MSCs; PRP or others		Sufficient tissue and blood volumes for cell isolation
	Implementation	Group design	Animal number endpoints		(1) Cost effective; (2) Less ethical issues; (3) Flexible endpoint setting
		Defect creation	Location	Trochlea; Condyle	Similar anatomy to human, thicker cartilage, dense bone layer, make defect creation more easily and precisely
			Range	Partial-thickness; Full-thickness; Osteochondral
		Postoperative manage	Drugs	Pain controlling; Antibiotics	Similar weight-bearing biomechanical environment to human, can imitate rehabilitation process; Easy captivity
			Activity	Immobilization; Restriction; Move freely
		Outcome assessment	Macroscopy; Histology; Imaging examination; Biomechanics		Feasible to use routine diagnostic imaging and arthroscopy