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Mechanical properties of natural cartilage and tissue-engineered constructs
Christopher James Little1, Nahshon Kenneth Bawolin, Xiongbiao Chen
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada.
Tissue Engineering. Part B, Reviews
|March 17, 2011
Summary
Engineered cartilage needs mechanical properties matching native tissue for joint repair. This review covers testing methods, mathematical models, and enhancement strategies for neocartilage development.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Tissue Engineering
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Cartilage damage necessitates effective repair strategies.
- Engineered cartilage must replicate native mechanical properties for joint function.
- Current research focuses on developing functional neocartilage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the mechanical behavior of native and engineered cartilage.
- To survey mechanical testing methods and their limitations.
- To discuss mathematical models and enhancement techniques for neocartilage.
Main Methods:
- Review of mechanical testing (tensile, compressive, shear).
- Analysis of mathematical models for cartilage mechanics.
- Evaluation of enhancement strategies: scaffold design, mechanical and chemical stimulation.
Main Results:
- Native cartilage exhibits complex mechanical properties.
- Various testing methods have limitations in characterizing cartilage.
- Mathematical models are advancing the understanding of cartilage mechanics.
- Scaffold design and stimulation methods show promise for improving engineered cartilage.
Conclusions:
- Achieving native-like mechanical properties in engineered cartilage is crucial.
- Further research is needed to optimize enhancement strategies.
- Future work should focus on bridging the gap between engineered and native cartilage mechanics.
