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Mechanical stimulation of osteoblasts using steady and dynamic fluid flow.
Michael J Jaasma1, Fergal J O'Brien
1Department of Anatomy, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland.
Tissue Engineering. Part A
|April 25, 2008
Summary
Intermittent fluid flow in bioreactors significantly enhances osteoblast activity and gene expression for bone tissue engineering. Dynamic flow, like pulsatile and oscillatory, shows greater long-term stimulation potential than steady flow.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Flow perfusion bioreactors are crucial for bone tissue engineering but require optimized culture conditions.
- Understanding fluid flow effects on osteoblast activity is key to improving construct development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the short-term effects of different fluid flow patterns (intermittent steady, pulsatile, oscillatory) on osteoblast activity.
- To compare these dynamic flows against continuous low flow and steady flow conditions.
- To determine optimal bioreactor settings for osteoblast stimulation and viability.
Main Methods:
- MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts were cultured within collagen-glycosaminoglycan scaffolds in flow perfusion bioreactors.
- Short-term (1-49 h) exposure to intermittent steady, pulsatile, and oscillatory flow (1.0 mL/min) and continuous low flow (0.05 mL/min) was applied.
- Osteoblast activity was assessed by measuring cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production, osteopontin expression, and cell number.
Main Results:
- Intermittent high flow stimulated osteoblast activity more than continuous low flow without reducing cell numbers.
- Pulsatile and oscillatory flow significantly increased COX-2 expression (up to threefold) between 25-49 h.
- Steady flow showed a decrease in PGE2 production at 49 h, while dynamic flows indicated greater long-term potential.
Conclusions:
- Intermittent fluid flow is advantageous for mechanical stimulation of osteoblasts, promoting activity while maintaining cell viability.
- Dynamic flow patterns (pulsatile and oscillatory) appear more beneficial for long-term osteoblast stimulation compared to steady flow.
- Optimizing bioreactor flow conditions is critical for advancing bone tissue engineering applications.
