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Published on: September 11, 2015
In vitro bone growth responds to local mechanical strain in three-dimensional polymer scaffolds
Elbert Baas1, Jan Herman Kuiper, Ying Yang
1Keele University, Institute of Science and Technology in Medicine, Thornburrow Drive, Hartshill, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire ST4 4HE, United Kingdom. e.baas@med.keele.ac.uk
Journal of Biomechanics
|November 28, 2009
Summary
Mechanical stimulation influences bone regeneration. This study shows that bone cells in scaffolds respond to local mechanical strains, with higher strains correlating to increased bone nodule formation in loaded samples.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Engineering
- Tissue Engineering
- Mechanobiology
Background:
- Mechanical stimulation is crucial for bone healing and remodeling in vivo.
- In vitro bone tissue regeneration strategies utilize mechanical cues.
- Understanding local strain effects in 3-D scaffolds is needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test if local mechanical strains in scaffolds correlate with biological response.
- To investigate the relationship between heterogeneous strain distribution and bone formation.
- To link micro-scale mechanical environment to cellular activity in engineered bone.
Main Methods:
- Poly(L-lactic acid) scaffolds seeded with rat bone cells were cultured.
- Cyclic compression was applied to experimental groups, while controls remained static.
- Micro-finite element modeling and micro-Computed Tomography (microCT) were used to analyze strains and mineralized nodule formation.
Main Results:
- Mineralized nodules were only detected in cyclically compressed scaffolds.
- Higher average absolute principal strains were observed at sites with mineralized nodules.
- A significant correlation was found between local strain magnitude and bone nodule presence.
Conclusions:
- Regenerating bone tissue within 3-D porous scaffolds is responsive to local mechanical strain.
- The study validates the hypothesis linking heterogeneous strain distribution to biological outcomes.
- The presented methodology aids in optimizing mechanical stimulation for tissue regeneration strategies.
