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Biomechanical Testing of Murine Tendons
Published on: October 15, 2019
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Method development and characterization of chick embryo tendon mechanical properties
Javier Navarro1, Antonion Korcari2, Phong Nguyen2
1Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, United States; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, NY, United States; Center for Musculoskeletal Research, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, United States.
Journal of Biomechanics
|February 5, 2022
Summary
A new marking protocol accurately identifies embryonic chick tendons for mechanical testing. This method reveals non-linear development of tendon mechanical properties, crucial for understanding tendon formation and tissue engineering.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanical Engineering
- Developmental Biology
- Tissue Engineering
Background:
- Tendons are vital connective tissues susceptible to various disorders and injuries.
- Understanding embryonic tendon development is key for regenerative medicine and tissue engineering strategies.
- The chick embryo serves as a relevant model for studying tendon formation, specifically the Achilles (calcaneal) tendon.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and implement a reliable method for isolating and mechanically testing embryonic chick calcaneal tendons.
- To characterize the mechanical property development of embryonic tendons.
- To establish a foundation for future research in embryonic tendon tissue engineering.
Main Methods:
- Development of a "marking protocol" to precisely identify and isolate calcaneal tendons at various embryonic stages.
- Mechanical testing (tensile testing) of isolated embryonic tendons.
- Comparison of mechanical properties between tendons isolated using the marking protocol versus traditional "eyeballing" methods.
Main Results:
- The marking protocol enabled accurate isolation of embryonic tendons, revealing previously unobserved developmental trends.
- Marked tendons showed non-linear increases in tensile modulus and ultimate tensile strength during development.
- Eyeballed tendons exhibited inaccurate linear increases in mechanical properties, highlighting the protocol's necessity.
Conclusions:
- The developed marking protocol is essential for accurate tensile testing of embryonic chick tendons.
- Embryonic tendon mechanical properties exhibit non-linear development, providing critical insights into functional tendon formation.
- This methodology and findings support advancements in embryonic tendon tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
