Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 29, 2026

09:35
Distinctive Capillary Action by Micro-channels in Bone-like Templates can Enhance Recruitment of Cells for Restoration of Large Bony Defect
Published on: September 11, 2015
Bioprocess forces and their impact on cell behavior: implications for bone regeneration therapy
David Brindley1, Kishaani Moorthy, Jae-Ho Lee
1Department of Biochemical Engineering, University College London, Torrington Place, London WC1E 7JE, UK.
Journal of Tissue Engineering
|September 10, 2011
Summary
Bioprocess shear stress, often seen as harmful, can actually enhance cell differentiation, particularly osteogenic differentiation. This mechanical stimulation is crucial for tissue engineering applications, including mineralized tissue development.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Cell Biology
- Tissue Engineering
Background:
- Bioprocess forces like shear stress are traditionally viewed as detrimental to cell cultures.
- However, mechanical stimulation is increasingly recognized for its potential to influence cell behavior and differentiation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the effects of bioprocess shear stress on cell survival, proliferation, and differentiation.
- To explore the role of shear stress in tissue engineering, specifically for mineralized tissue development.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of cell responses (survival, proliferation, differentiation) under various bioprocess shear stress conditions.
- Review of studies involving suspension-adapted and adherent cells in different culture contexts.
- Examination of perfusion bioreactor applications for mineralized tissue engineering.
Main Results:
- Shear stress can enhance osteogenic differentiation in various cell types and culture systems.
- Mechanical forces during cell handling, such as pipetting, may also promote osteogenic responses.
- Fluid flow shear stress is a key factor in inducing enhanced osteogenic differentiation.
Conclusions:
- Bioprocess shear stress is not universally harmful and can be beneficial for cell differentiation, especially osteogenesis.
- Mechanical stimulation presents a valuable tool for advancing tissue engineering, particularly for bone and mineralized tissue regeneration.
- Understanding and controlling bioprocess forces are critical for optimizing cell-based manufacturing and therapeutic applications.
Related Concept Videos
Bone Remodeling and Repair
Osteoclasts are cells responsible for bone resorption and remodeling. They originate from hematopoietic progenitor cells present in the bone marrow. Numerous progenitor cells fuse to form multinucleated cells, each with 10-20 nuclei. A single osteoclast has a diameter of 150 to 200 µM. These cells have ruffled borders that break down the underlying bone tissue and release minerals such as calcium into the blood in bone resorption. Osteoclasts cling to bones with their ruffled edges during bone...
Bone Remodeling
Bone remodeling is a continuous and balanced process of bone resorption by osteoclasts and bone formation by osteoblasts. In adults, it helps maintain bone mass and calcium homeostasis. While mechanical stress can stimulate turnover as part of the normal maintenance and reparative process, several hormones also regulate bone remodeling.

