[Effects of mechanical strain on human osteoblastic precursor cells in type I collagen matrices]
A Ignatius1, H Blessing, A Liedert
1Kompetenznetz Biomaterialien Baden-Württemberg, Institut für Unfallchirurgische Forschung und Biomechanik der Universität Ulm. anita.ignatius@medizin.uni-ulm.de
Background:
The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of mechanical strain on human osteoblastic precursor cells in a three-dimensional scaffold.
Methods:
Osteoblastic precursor cells were seeded in a collagen type I gel and mechanically stretched by daily application of cyclic uniaxial strain. The expression of histone H4, core binding factor 1, alkaline phosphatase, osteopontin, osteocalcin, and collagen type I was investigated by analysing the mRNA. Cell and matrix orientation were investigated by scanning electron microscopy.
Results:
Cyclic stretching increased cell proliferation. The expression of osteogenic markers was slightly increased by mechanical strain. The cells and matrix were strictly oriented in the stress direction.
Conclusion:
The application of mechanical load might have a beneficial effect on the quality and quantity of generated bone tissue and might be a important factor in tissue engineering of bone.
