Culturing functional cartilage tissue under a novel bionic mechanical condition

Bioreactor, which is used for in vitro construction of tissue-engineered cartilage, has been extensively studied by researchers. The growth and development of articular cartilage tissue are affected by biomechanical and biochemical factors, especially mechanical condition. Kinds of mechanical conditions including compressive and shear force, fluid flow, hydrostatic pressure, and tissue deformation, were developed in the past years. However, most mechanical conditions of improved bioreactor involve only one or two external force, which is merely partial for engineering cartilage tissue. No bioreactor which can simulate a normal articular cartilage in terms of structure and function has been reported. Consequently, simulation of bionic mechanical environment of a normal articular cartilage is considered to be the optimal environment for culturing the functional articular cartilage in vitro. Based upon this purpose, we designed a rolling-compression loading bioreactor. It could provide cultures with multi-mechanical stimulations and sufficiently mimic the complex mechanical environment of a normal articular cartilage. We propose that this comprehensive rolling-compression loading bioreactor can enhance the cultivation of functional cartilage constructs in vitro.