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Novel system for engineering bioartificial tendons and application of mechanical load
Joanne Garvin1, Jie Qi, Melissa Maloney
1Curriculum of Applied and Materials Sciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.
Tissue Engineering
|November 25, 2003
Summary
Researchers developed a novel bioreactor system for culturing tendon cells in mechanically loaded, three-dimensional collagen gels. This bioartificial tissue (BAT) model mimics native tendon structure and function, showing enhanced strength with mechanical stimulation.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Cells in native tissues experience mechanical loading, influencing their phenotype and matrix remodeling.
- Existing 2D culture systems and non-loaded 3D models do not fully replicate the mechanical environment of native tendons.
- A mechanically active 3D culture system is needed to better simulate native tendon cell behavior and tissue development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the first model bioreactor system for fabricating and culturing mechanically loaded, linear, tethered tendon cell-populated matrix constructs.
- To investigate the phenotype, gene expression, and mechanical properties of tendon cells within these bioartificial tissues (BATs) under mechanical load.
- To establish a novel 3D culture environment for tissue engineering and drug testing applications.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of linear, tethered tendon cell-populated matrix constructs (BATs) using avian flexor tendon cells in 3D collagen gels within a novel Tissue Train culture plate.
- Application of computer-driven, pressure-controlled uniaxial mechanical loading via vacuum-induced displacement of a flexible membrane using an Arctangle loading post.
- Analysis of gene expression (collagens I, III, XII; aggrecan; fibronectin; prolyl hydroxylase; tenascin), cell morphology, and ultimate tensile strength.
Main Results:
- BATs exhibited gene expression profiles consistent with native tendon cells, including collagens, aggrecan, and tenascin.
- Cells within BATs aligned linearly with the principal strain direction, mimicking native tendon fascicle morphology.
- Mechanically loaded BATs showed a nearly 3-fold increase in ultimate tensile strength compared to non-loaded controls after one week of culture.
Conclusions:
- The developed bioreactor system successfully creates bioartificial tendon tissues where cells adopt a native-like phenotype and morphology.
- Mechanical loading significantly enhances the mechanical strength of the engineered tendon constructs.
- This mechanically active 3D culture model offers a promising platform for tissue engineering and developing tissue simulates for pharmaceutical testing.