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Ex vivo Bone Models and Their Potential in Preclinical Evaluation
E E A Cramer1, K Ito1, S Hofmann2
1Orthopaedic Biomechanics, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Institute of Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB, Eindhoven, the Netherlands.
Current Osteoporosis Reports
|January 11, 2021
Summary
Ex vivo bone explant cultures offer a 3D model for studying bone therapies. Incorporating mechanical loading enhances explant viability and bone formation, improving preclinical testing relevance.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Regenerative Medicine
- Tissue Engineering
Background:
- Preclinical bone research relies on in vitro and in vivo studies.
- In vitro models often fail to replicate the complex native bone environment.
- Ex vivo bone explant cultures preserve cells within their natural 3D matrix.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review ex vivo bone explant culture models.
- To assess their potential in preclinical bone therapy evaluation.
- To focus on integrating mechanical loading into these systems.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on bone explant culture techniques.
- Analysis of studies incorporating mechanical stimuli in ex vivo bone models.
- Evaluation of explant viability, bone formation, and resorption.
Main Results:
- Ex vivo cultures provide a more representative model than traditional in vitro methods.
- Mechanical loading extends explant lifespan and promotes osteogenesis.
- Challenges remain in achieving physiological relevance and incorporating bone resorption.
Conclusions:
- Ex vivo bone explant cultures are valuable for preclinical bone research.
- Mechanical loading is crucial for osteogenesis in these models.
- Further development is needed for a comprehensive and reproducible ex vivo system.
